WAUKESHA, Wis. - Carroll University will welcome Gary Ellerson, former NFL running back and respected sports media professional, as the featured speaker for the Champions of Industry series during the upcoming Ethos and Excellence Conference.

The event will take place on Tuesday, April 14, from 1:15 to 2:45 p.m. in Shattuck Auditorium, with doors opening at 1 p.m. Ellerson will be joined by moderator Billy Schmid '17 for a conversation focused on leadership, teamwork, and navigating success across multiple professional paths.

Ellerson is best known for his accomplishments both on and off the field. A former standout at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, he went on to play in the NFL as a running back for the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions. Following his playing career, Ellerson built a dynamic second career in sports media, becoming one of Wisconsin's most respected voices across television, radio, and digital platforms.

A graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Whitewater with a Bachelor of Arts degree, Ellerson has spent decades shaping conversations around sports, culture, and community engagement. His media career includes prominent roles with Spectrum News 1 Wisconsin, where he co-hosted The Roundtable and The Postgame Show, along with contributions to Green Bay Gameday, ESPN Milwaukee, ESPN Madison, and 620 WTMJ. He has also played a key role with The Tundra Trio Network, extending his reach to audiences across Wisconsin and beyond through game-day coverage, analysis, and storytelling.

The Champions of Industry series highlights individuals whose careers exemplify leadership, resilience, and meaningful impact across industries. Ellerson's journey—from collegiate and professional athletics to a distinguished media career—reflects those values and aligns with the broader mission of the Ethos and Excellence Conference to encourage thoughtful dialogue around character, purpose, and professional growth.

A livestream link for the event can be found here. 

The event is open to the Carroll University community. Those with questions may contact EthosandExcellence@carrollu.edu for additional information.