Keith L. Lee currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer of the National Consortium for Academics and Sports. Previous to his current appointment, he served as the Western Regional Director of the NCAS located on the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Keith is the former Associate Director of Northeastern University's Center for the Study of Sport in Society. Keith joined the Center in 1986, as the School Outreach Coordinator.
He was instrumental in the development of the NCAS; a nation wide network of over 232 colleges and universities that implements educational and support programs for student-athletes.
He has trained hundreds of professional, Olympic and college athletes to become public speakers, mentors and workshop facilitators for . Moreover, he serves as a consultant for professional and amateur athletes, professional sports leagues and associations.
Keith is a national speaker on such topics as race and ethnic sensitivity, the proper relationship between academics and athletics, transition of athletes from sports to the "real world," gender violence prevention and alcohol and drug abuse. Notable speaking appearances include U.C.L.A, Harvard University, Columbia University, University of Nebraska, The Ohio State University, the National Association for Secondary School Principles, the NCAA Foundation, National Education Association, Green Bay Packers, Philadelphia Eagles, Toronto Blue Jays, National Football League Players Association, and numerous other colleges and universities.
Keith grew up in Los Angeles, California where he was a star athlete, graduating from Gardena High School in 1976. His collegiate football career began in '76 at Santa Monica Community College in California where he established numerous records as a quarterback and became a junior college All-American. As a student-athlete at Colorado State University from 1978-80, he quarterbacked the CSU football team and received All-WAC honors. As a senior, Keith was elected student-body vice-president, thereby becoming the first black student to hold a student government position at CSU.
In 1980, Keith realized a childhood dream when he was drafted in the 5th round as a defensive back by the Buffalo Bills. Keith left the Bills in 1981 and spent the majority of has football career with the New England Patriots and ended his career with the Indianapolis Colts. Keith's professional football career spanned six years, ending in 1986. He has also served as a football coach ranging from the youth to professional level of competition. As the founder of Athletic Career Enrichment (ACE), Keith continues to provide personal training services for aspiring football players.
He has been featured nationally in such publications as USA Today and has written op-ed pieces for the New York Times and Indianapolis Star. Keith has made numerous appearances on television shows including Nightline, ESPN, and ABC Nightly News addressing issues such as drug and alcohol abuse in sport, diversity in athletics, and disengagement from sport.
Among his most notable achievements, Keith received the Anti-Defamation League's "World of Difference Award" for 1991, the Certificate of Recognition from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the Governor's Alliance Against Drugs award, Washoe County Department of Juvenile Services Award and University of Nevada's Black Student Organization "Faculty Member of the Year" in 1993. He has also served as a board member on the Commission on National and Community Service for the State of Nevada, Commissioner of the Sierra Youth Football League, Black Professional Men Association and the Professional Football League Players Association Retired Chapter. He is the President of the Advisory Board for Youth Sports Network. He also sits on the board of the Dominican Sports and Education Academy.
Keith and his wife Karetta are the proud parents of three children, sons Lamar, Onell and daughter Sable.
