University of Memphis Board of Trustees member Willie H. Gregory has been honored with the 2026 NIKE, Inc. Founders Award. He received the award during the Global Maxims Awards — a celebration of the teams and work that brings the company’s values to life. The Founders Award recognizes the enduring impact of a NIKE employee that extends beyond a single accomplishment, creating a lasting impact for people and communities.
Gregory joined the UofM’s Board of Trustees in July 2025 for a six-year term.
During his tenure on the board, Gregory has served as the chair of the Athletics Committee, which governs various aspects of Tiger athletics. He also serves on the Academic and Student Affairs Committee, assisting in governing the academic enterprise of the University and issues relating to student affairs and success. Gregory was the recipient of the University of Memphis Distinguished Alumni Award as an Honorary Alumni Honoree in 2016.
A trusted leader whose decades of service and stewardship have created long-standing community impact, Gregory has spent his career building bridges between NIKE and the communities it serves. As Senior Director of Community Relations in Memphis, he has advanced education, workforce development, civic engagement and community investment while creating lasting opportunities for others. A trusted connector across business, government, community organizations and sport, Gregory embodies a legacy of service, stewardship and people-first leadership. His impact has strengthened communities, created opportunity and reflected the values that continue to move NIKE forward.
