Jamal Woodson is Pitt-Greensburg’s 2026 commencement speaker

Entrepreneur and community developer Jamal Woodson (UPG ’02) will serve as the 2026 commencement speaker during the two ceremonies that will be held Saturday, May 2, in the Chambers Hall Gymnasium.

This past fall, Woodson, who is from Pittsburgh, was recognized as the Pitt-Greensburg Alumni Association (PGAA) Alumnus of Distinction. The award is the highest honor the PGAA gives to an individual alum and recognizes outstanding professional achievement, service to the community and service to the University. Woodson exemplifies these qualities through his remarkable achievements and relentless dedication to giving back.

“Jamal Woodson has had a distinguished and diverse career following his graduation from Pitt-Greensburg,” said Pitt-Greensburg President Robert Gregerson. “He is an entrepreneur, a high school and AAU basketball coach, among other things, and is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community. His message of planning, perseverance and reacting to community needs is inspirational.”

Woodson, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and dedicated community service, has made significant contributions to the Pittsburgh area and beyond. After graduating from Pitt-Greensburg, Woodson embarked on a career at WAMO, Pittsburgh’s leading urban radio station. His journey from a sales executive to the top sales representative, and eventually to general manager in 2013, was marked by extraordinary success, including doubling the station’s revenue within two years.

[Read more about Woodson’s achievements in Pitt Magazine.]

“My time at Pitt-Greensburg played a huge role in shaping who I am today,” said Woodson. “It wasn’t just about the classes, it was about the people, the experiences, and the lessons that pushed me to think bigger and chase opportunities beyond the classroom. Pitt-Greensburg gave me a foundation of resilience and creativity that I still carry with me in every business I’ve built and every team I’ve led.”

As co-owner of Exclusive Entertainment, Woodson transformed Pittsburgh's urban music scene by hosting major concerts featuring artists like Eminem, Nas, Lil Wayne and Lil Jon. From 2003 to 2013, Exclusive Entertainment was the region’s premier urban music promoter.

In 2012, Woodson founded Students Learning Athletics and Academics through Mentoring (SLAMM) Basketball, an Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) program that has mentored countless young athletes, placing many in prestigious universities on scholarships. The program has expanded from five to more than 20 teams, solidifying its status as Western Pennsylvania’s leading AAU program.

Woodson’s dedication to giving back is evident through “The Giveback King” initiative, launched in 2017, which focuses on helping those in need through various acts of kindness both locally and internationally. His real estate ventures on Pittsburgh’s east side and the introduction of the Athletic Trauma Unit food truck in 2018 further highlight his commitment to community development.

For the past four years, Woodson has co-led The CNX Mentorship Academy, guiding high school juniors and seniors in their career paths through personalized mentorship. In 2023, he opened LFG Workout, a fitness gym dedicated to promoting health and longevity within the community.