ECI Competitive Edge Convening: Character Development in College Sports
When: Feb 19-21, 2026
Where: Winston-Salem, NC
- Lodging: February 19-21, 2026. Check into the Winston-Salem University Courtyard by Marriott on Thursday, February 19 after 4pm and check out on Saturday, February 21 by 10am.
- Event: February 20-21. The event will be held at Wake Forest University’s McCreary Tower, beginning at 10am on Friday, February 20. The event will conclude after lunch on Saturday, February 21.
Lead Facilitators: Wendell Dunn, Assistant Director of Leadership and Character in Athletics; Corey Crossan Stevens, ECI Senior Fellow for Program Development; Elizabeth Whiting, ECI Scholar of Character
Description: The Competitive Edge Convening will gather a diverse group of leaders, including coaches, athletic directors, strength trainers, leadership development staff, researchers, professors, sports psychologists, and others, who are committed to supporting the character development of undergraduate students through collegiate sports. Together, we’ll both disseminate expertise and nurture relationships among leaders in the field of character in athletics. We aim to seed future collaboration, such as joint research projects and communities of practice.
Outcomes: Attendees will be better able to…
- Understand the dynamic relationship between character development and athletic performance.
- Strengthen existing and/or create new character development opportunities for student athletes and the professionals who support them.
- Draw support from and share wisdom with colleagues committed to college sports as an arena of character development.
What does it cost? The ECI will provide lodging at the Winston-Salem University Courtyard by Marriott on February 19 and 20 (which will also provide breakfast on Friday and Saturday). Lunch, snacks, and dinner will be provided at no cost to attendees during the convening. ECI will reimburse each participant’s travel expenses up to $600. Any additional expenses will be left to participants to manage.
Application Deadline: December 15, 2025, at 5 pm ET.
How will you know if you have been accepted? Applications for this convening are closed. The ECI team will contact you by December 21 to inform you of your acceptance status.