Early Life and Education of Phil Knight: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: August 15, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Phil Knight, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Phil Knight is an American billionaire and philanthropist, best known as the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc. A track and field athlete at the University of Oregon under coach Bill Bowerman, he partnered with Bowerman to create what would become a global leader in sports apparel and equipment. Knight's business acumen transformed Nike into a powerhouse, leading to his substantial net worth. Beyond Nike, he owns the animation studio Laika. Knight's education includes degrees from the University of Oregon and Stanford Graduate School of Business, providing a foundation for his entrepreneurial success.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

February 24, 1938: Philip Knight Born

On February 24, 1938, Philip Hampson Knight, the co-founder and chairman emeritus of Nike, Inc., was born. He would later become a billionaire businessman and philanthropist.

Others born on this day/year

1957: Won Varsity Letter for Track

In 1957, Philip Knight won a varsity letter for his track performances at the University of Oregon.

1958: Won Varsity Letter for Track

In 1958, Philip Knight won a varsity letter for his track performances at the University of Oregon.

1959: Earned Business Degree and Army Reserve Commission

In 1959, Philip Knight earned a business degree (B.B.A.) in three years from the University of Oregon and received his Army Reserve Commission as a "Distinguished Military Graduate".

1959: Won Varsity Letter for Track

In 1959, Philip Knight won a varsity letter for his track performances at the University of Oregon.

1962: Graduated from Stanford

In 1962, Philip Knight graduated with a master's degree in business administration from Stanford Graduate School of Business after producing a paper foretelling his foray into selling running shoes.

September 13, 1968: Marriage to Penelope "Penny" Parks

On September 13, 1968, Phil Knight married Penelope "Penny" Parks, whom he met while working at Portland State University where she was a student.

1986: Financed Neil Goldschmidt's Campaign

In 1986, Knight financed Neil Goldschmidt's successful campaign.

May 2002: Son Matthew Knight's Death

In May 2002, Philip Knight's son Matthew died from a heart attack while scuba diving in Lake Ilopango, El Salvador.

2004: Death of Matthew Knight

In 2004, Knight's son, Matthew, died in a scuba diving accident in El Salvador.

2009: Contributor to Campaign Against Oregon Ballot Measures

During the 2009–2010 period, Philip Knight was the largest single contributor to the campaign to defeat Oregon Ballot Measures 66 and 67, which would have increased income tax on some corporations and high-income individuals.

2010: Contributor to Campaign Against Oregon Ballot Measures

2010: Donation to Chris Dudley

In 2010, Knight donated $400,000 to Chris Dudley, the Republican nominee for Governor of Oregon.

May 18, 2012: Contribution to Higher Education PAC

On May 18, 2012, Knight contributed US$65,000 to a higher education Political Action Committee (PAC) formed by Columbia Sportswear CEO Tim Boyle, aimed at increasing the autonomy of schools in the Oregon University System.

2014: Donation to John Kitzhaber's Re-election Campaign

In 2014, Knight donated $250,000 to the re-election campaign of Democrat John Kitzhaber.

2018: Donation to Knute Buehler

In 2018, Knight donated $3.5 million to Republican Knute Buehler during the Oregon gubernatorial election, criticizing the Oregon Public Employees Retirement System and the state's fiscal situation.

2018: First Class of Knight-Hennessy Scholars

In the fall of 2018, the first class of 51 scholars from 21 countries was scheduled to arrive at Stanford as part of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program.

July 2021: Net Worth

As of July 2021, Philip Knight has a net worth of $60.8 billion.

September 2022: Donation to Betsy Johnson

Until September 2022, Knight gave $3.75 million to independent candidate Betsy Johnson.

October 2022: New York Times Interview

In October 2022, Knight spoke with the New York Times about his support for Republican candidates, arguing Oregon's government had drifted too far left and describing himself as "more conservative than Nike."