The energy of an MSU All-American will once again be present on campus this June. Gregory Kelser will deliver the keynote address of the 2026 Entrepreneur Leadership Camp at Michigan State’s Broad College of Business on June 25 at 2 p.m.
To the high school juniors and seniors in audience, he will be known as a legendary broadcaster and a former NBA first-round pick. To the university, he will always be “Special K,” the co-captain who flew high alongside Magic Johnson to bring MSU its historic 1979 NCAA Championship title. He won’t be here to talk about fast breaks or championship rings, but how he has successfully applied his All-American mindset to his life, career and philanthropic efforts.
“We are extremely honored and excited to have Mr. Kelser deliver the keynote address to young aspiring entrepreneurs,” says Marquis Taylor, assistant director for strategic partnerships for Multicultural Business Programs in the Broad College of Business. “This year marks the fifth anniversary of our camp, which deserves the special message and presence of an All-American Spartan who has accomplished so much in his personal and professional life.”
The All-American mindset
Turns out the grueling practices, film studies and late-night discipline under Coach Jud Heathcote weren’t just about winning the 1979 National Championship but were a masterclass in how to plan and execute.
“My days as an athlete taught me many things that were transferable once my playing days were over and I entered into the realm of entrepreneurship,” said Kelser. “First, you learn that there are going to be ups and downs, good days and bad, and you must keep your balance in both instances. Keeping a sharp focus on your studied plan is essential.”
Kelser said that no one wins a championship alone; similarly, no one builds successful businesses alone.
“Business teammates don’t have to all think alike. In fact, it’s probably best that they don’t,” he said. “The thing that needs to be consistent is the goal and determination to achieve it.”
Playbooks are also as vital in business as they are in sports, Kelser notes.
“In business, your playbook is your set of principles. This sets the tone for how you will manage your team and program on a daily basis,” he said. “Your playbook is your philosophy. It sets the expectations and acknowledges the things and are not negotiable. Principles are not to be compromised.”
Blueprint for young entrepreneurs
The Entrepreneur Leadership Camp allows high school students to learn entrepreneurial concepts and then to immediately try them out in a safe, hands-on environment, supported by mentors.
"We want every student to leave with more confidence in their creativity and their ability to take new ideas and turn them into innovations for existing or new businesses,” said Laurel Ofstein, senior director of MSU’s Burgess Institute for Entrepreneurship and Innovation. “Kelser’s perspective will show students how resilience and an entrepreneurial mindset create real-world opportunity.”
Kelser anticipates the most important message he will want to relay to the campers is this: “As soon as you are able as an entrepreneur, it’s important to reach back and help someone who was once in your shoes.
“Just think of all the people who helped you. Those people that are forever unforgettable for the impact they’ve had on your life. Now go and become an ‘unforgettable’ for the role that you will play in someone else’s journey.”
