- June 2, 2026
United States Sports University Honors Stephanie Bryan With Honorary Doctorate At 2026 Commencement Ceremony
DAPHNE, Ala. — May 22, 2026 — United States Sports University (USSU) proudly awarded an honorary doctorate to Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, during the University’s 2026 Commencement Ceremony held on May 2, 2026.
Bryan, the first woman elected to serve as Tribal Chair and CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians, also served as the University’s distinguished commencement speaker, delivering an inspiring address centered on leadership, fairness, resilience, gratitude, and the lifelong value of teamwork.
Addressing graduates from across the country and around the world, Bryan celebrated the unique mission of United States Sports University as “the only one of its kind in our country,” while praising the institution’s commitment to preparing students for careers rooted in excellence and leadership through sport.
“I am so grateful that it is here in Alabama, right down the road from our Tribe’s home in Atmore,” Bryan said during her remarks. “Dr. Condon and the wonderful team he has assembled here have been so dedicated to preparing you for the opportunities ahead.”
Stephanie Bryan, Tribal Chair and CEO, delivers commencement address.
Bryan also commended USSU’s creation of the Jim Thorpe Award, recognizing the University’s efforts to honor one of the greatest Native American athletes in history and preserve his legacy for future generations.
“I believe that speaks volumes about the values of this University and the people who lead it,” she said.
Throughout her speech, Bryan connected the lessons learned through athletics to the responsibilities of leadership and decision-making in everyday life. Reflecting on the story of Jim Thorpe and the importance of integrity, she encouraged graduates to lead with fairness and character as they enter the next stage of their careers.
“Life is not fair, but you can be,” Bryan told graduates. “Being fair — making the right call at the right time — can make all the difference.”
Drawing from her own experiences growing up on the Poarch reservation in Atmore, Bryan shared how sports shaped her life and leadership journey. She spoke about playing tribal stickball and competitive softball, emphasizing how athletics taught her discipline, humility, teamwork, perseverance, and how to both win graciously and learn from loss.
“We know that sport is a great equalizer — it doesn’t matter where you come from, it matters what you do when you get there,” Bryan said. “Brains aren’t distributed by zip code. That’s also true of grit, drive, and principles.”
Stephanie Bryan receives honorary doctorate from United States Sports University (USSU).
Bryan’s personal story resonated deeply with graduates. As a single mother working two jobs while attending college, she never imagined one day leading the Tribe or receiving an honorary doctorate degree. Her determination eventually led her to win a seat on Tribal Council before becoming the first female Tribal Chair and CEO in the Tribe’s history.
Today, Bryan oversees Tribal government operations and more than 40 businesses owned by the Poarch Creek Indians while also serving on numerous national and statewide boards and advisory committees.
During her address, Bryan shared what she described as her personal “seven-point plan” for success — guidance she has given to her children and grandchildren throughout their lives. Her message encouraged graduates to know themselves, practice gratitude, read carefully before making decisions, lead with kindness, manage finances wisely, and remain connected to the people and communities who support them.
“The older I get, the more I know this to be true — life is a team sport,” Bryan said. “And it’s a lot more meaningful when we make opportunities to communicate, appreciate, validate, and share success.”
USSU President Dr. Steve Condon said the University’s Board of Trustees selected Bryan for the honorary degree in recognition of her extraordinary leadership, service, and influence both within Indian Country and across the state of Alabama.
“The Board of Trustees voted to honor Chairperson and CEO of the Poarch Creek Indians, Ms. Stephanie Bryan, with a Doctorate in Humane Letters and Management to acknowledge her ‘World Class’ leadership and exemplary skills in chairing and managing a large corporate business entity while representing a very special group of Indigenous Americans at the highest level,” said Dr. Steve Condon, President of United States Sports University. “She joins a very elite and select group of previous recipients who have distinguished themselves globally, as Chairperson Bryan embodies the very best of our culture and leads by example for the next generations of Americans.”
A lifelong member of the Poarch community, Bryan has helped lead transformational initiatives benefiting Tribal Citizens and surrounding communities, including expanded healthcare access, educational opportunities, elder care services, and community development projects. She also serves on boards including the U.S. Department of the Interior Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee, the Indian Gaming Association, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alabama, Leadership Alabama, and the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
University leaders also expressed enthusiasm about future opportunities for collaboration between USSU and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians, including initiatives that could elevate educational programming, leadership development, and community engagement throughout the region.
For more information about United States Sports University, visit www.ussu.edu.
Contact:
Kristin Hellmich
communicationsinfo@pci-nsn.gov
(251) 359-8554
About the Poarch Band of Creek Indians:
The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is the only federally recognized tribe in Alabama. From hospitality to aerospace, we continue to operate in a variety of industries across the World. Read more about our Tribe here.
About United States Sports University:
United States Sports University is an accredited university providing forward thinking education, specialized research, and superior service in the global realm of sports. We prepare and empower future leaders for a multifaceted and successful career in global sports through excellence in teaching, advanced scholarship, professional practice, and transformational learning. Learn more at ussu.edu.