Former Nittany Lion Chima Okoli Named To Big Ten Advisory Commission

Former Penn State football player Chima Okoli has been named Penn State’s new representative on the Big Ten Advisory Commission, he replaces Curtis Johnson on the committee.

According to the conference, the Big Ten Advisory Commission, formed in 1972, is comprised of one former African-American student-athlete from each member institution. Its charge, to examine and identify academic achievement and quality of student life issues that face African-American student-athletes. It is the only conference-based commission in the NCAA dedicated to addressing diversity and the needs of African-American student-athletes.

“Chima is a great fit for the Advisory Commission and its important mission and we are pleased that he will be Penn State’s representative,” Penn State Athletic Director Sandy Barbour said in a press release. “As someone who has competed and graduated within the past 10 years, Chima can provide excellent perspective on the issues and concerns of students. We know he will be engaging in the committee’s dialogue and will represent Penn State, and our students, very well.’

Okoli earned Penn State degrees in media studies and advertising/public relations, with a minor in labor employment relations, in 2011. He earned his J.D. from the Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law in May 2017.

“I would like to express my gratitude for being selected to represent Penn State on the Big Ten Advisory Commission,” Okoli said. “I hope to use my position to foster tangible impact across member institutions and beyond. I will work to maintain the traditions of excellence and perseverance of those who occupied this position before me. I would like to thank all who recommended me for this role.”

On the field, Okoli was a member of the Penn State football team from 2007-11. He began his career on the defensive line and moved to offensive tackle, earning honorable-mention All-Big Ten honors in 2011. He garnered Academic All-Big Ten accolades in 2011 and was a leadership member of Penn State’s chapter of Uplifting Athletes, which raises funds for families impacted by rare diseases.