Atlanta, Ga. | Morehouse College Athletics hosted Morehouse 360: The Launch Pad on Tuesday, August 18, inside Forbes Arena, bringing student-athletes together for a comprehensive morning focused on preparing the Men of Morehouse for the responsibilities and opportunities they will encounter during and beyond their collegiate careers.

The mandatory student-athlete transition seminar was built around the program's four primary pillars: financial literacy, mental health and wellness, professional conduct, and career longevity. Throughout the morning, student-athletes heard from Morehouse administrators, alumni and professionals on topics ranging from drug and gambling policies to financial decision-making, relationships, social media and interactions with law enforcement.

The seminar was moderated by Renee Wilson C'92. Director of Athletics Harold Ellis '92 opened the program with a welcome and overview of the purpose behind Morehouse 360. Their remarks emphasized the responsibility that comes with representing Morehouse College and the importance of preparing student-athletes for success beyond competition.

"President Bowman has been very clear about the mission of Morehouse and our responsibility to develop men who are prepared to lead, serve and make an impact in the world," Ellis commented after the event. "Athletics has to be an extension of that mission. We want our student-athletes to leave Morehouse with more than a degree and memories from their playing careers. We want them to leave with the tools, discipline and sense of purpose to become the type of leaders Morehouse has produced for generations. Morehouse 360 allows us to be intentional about that development."

Financial Literacy

One of the key topics presented was financial awareness. Financial literacy and Name, Image and Likeness opportunities were addressed by LaMont McIntosh and Kim Jenkins of SCOUT, providing student-athletes with guidance on managing financial opportunities and understanding the responsibilities associated with NIL.

"After spending time on campus last Spring, (Former NBA star) Chris Paul was able to understand the vision of our athletic department and connected us with Michael Haddix and the team at Scout," Ellis remarked. Their understanding of athlete development was exactly what we needed as we build out a robust support system for our student athletes."

Law Enforcement and Gambling

Captain Jeffery Adams followed with a discussion on drug policy and available resources while also address interactions with law enforcement, including practical guidance for navigating traffic stops.

Ellis led a session examining gambling in sports, focusing on the growing presence of sports wagering, institutional and athletic policies, and the potential consequences gambling can have on student-athletes, their eligibility and the integrity of competition.

Professional Development

Professional development was another major focus of the program. Human resources expert and Morehouse alumnus Michael Levesque '88 discussed professionalism, coachability and appropriate interactions with coaches, officials and staff. Levesque also closed the seminar with a conversation about social responsibility, community engagement and the importance of giving back.

Personal Development

Andrea Carter C'91 led a session on healthy relationships, addressing relationships with family, friends and significant others while also discussing physical and sexual health.

The morning also included a mental health and wellness session led by Charles Alexander, Ph.D. '89, who focused on stress management and engaged student-athletes through group discussions.

Perspective

For Ellis, bringing the entire department together for the seminar represented an important investment in the student-athlete experience and in the culture Morehouse Athletics is working to build.

"Days like this are extremely important for our athletic department because developing student-athletes cannot begin and end with what happens at practice or in competition," Ellis said. "We spend a lot of time preparing them to perform on game day, but we have to be just as committed to preparing them for the decisions they will make away from the field and for the day when the uniform comes off. If we are serious about building a championship-level athletic program, this type of development has to be part of the foundation."

Morehouse 360 was designed as more than an orientation or rules presentation. By addressing policy, professionalism, relationships, finance, media presence, wellness and community responsibility within one structured program, The Launch Pad provided student-athletes with practical information they can apply immediately while also encouraging them to think beyond their playing careers.

The initiative reflects Morehouse Athletics' commitment to developing the complete student-athlete. While some Men of Morehouse may have opportunities to continue their athletic careers professionally, every participant will eventually make the transition into a profession, family life, leadership and greater public responsibility.

Morehouse 360: The Launch Pad was created to help ensure they are prepared when that transition comes.