Distinguished Speaker Series returns with Coach Ken Carter

PUEBLO - The Distinguished Speaker Series returns with two acts scheduled for the Spring Semester. Depicted in a 2005 Paramount film starring Samuel L. Jackson, Coach Ken Carter has been coaching basketball for more than 15 years and inspired and guided numerous young men to reach their highest potential.

He will share his story at 7 p.m. on January 20 in the OUC Ballroom. Admission is free to CSU-Pueblo students and the general public. All performances are made possible by activity fees paid by students. Donations from community attendees will be accepted.

As head basketball coach for Richmond High School in California from 1997 - 2002, Carter made news by locking out his undefeated varsity basketball team in order to push them to improve their grades. Coach Carter not only closed the Richmond High School gym, but he banned all basketball-related activities and was prepared to cancel the entire season program because 15 of the 45 players were not living up to the classroom achievements they agreed to meet in contracts they signed earlier in the semester.

A successful author and speaker, Coach Carter brings the hard-hitting advice about accountability, integrity, teamwork and leadership to succeed both on and off the basketball court. He is the founder and chairman of the Coach Ken Carter Foundation, a non-profit that promotes and provides education, training and mentoring programs for minority youths. He also founded the Coach Carter Impact Academy, designed to enable disadvantaged youth to reach their full academic and life potential. His latest book entitled, Yes Ma'am, No Sir: The 12 Essential Steps for Success in Life, chronicles his personal experiences in life that shaped him to be the man that he is today.

The Distinguished Speakers Series features eminent national or international speakers who contribute to current thought in social or political activities, in the arts and sciences, or other realms of contemporary significance. The series is an opportunity to learn from scholars, politicians, and business people, who can inspire students and community members to think critically about current issues, trends, events, knowledge, diversity, and leadership.

The final act of the academic year will be the Denver-based Cleo Parker Robinson Dance troupe, which will perform at 7 p.m. on February 19 in Hoag Recital Hall. For more information, contact the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership, 719-549-2151.

Colorado State University - Pueblo is a regional, comprehensive university emphasizing professional, career-oriented, and applied programs. Displaying excellence in teaching, celebrating diversity, and engaging in service and outreach, CSU-Pueblo is distinguished by access, opportunity, and the overall quality of services provided to its students.