CHARLOTTE, N.C. (December 10, 2024) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®), the nation's oldest historically black conference, held its annual fall Board of Directors meeting December 3-4 in Richmond, VA, , which was attended by CIAA Presidents and Chancellors along with staff and selected partners. The meeting resulted in the approval of many exciting initiatives to strengthen the future of the CIAA. The Board also engaged in a 2025-2030 strategic planning exercise to continue the CIAA’s upward trajectory and visibility as the best of the NCAA Division II conferences. Meeting discussion and decisions include:
Membership Update
The Board approved indefinite suspension of Saint Augustine’s University, noting the ability for the board to lift the suspension at such time the university proves readiness to fulfill and maintain a holistic NCAA Division II athletics program, in accordance with NCAA and CIAA bylaws. St. Augustine’s University was previously suspended from conference participation for the 2024-25 academic year.
Hall of Fame 2025
The John B. McLendon CIAA Hall of Fame Class of 2025 honorees were approved by the Board. A formal announcement will be made upon notification to the inductees. The ceremony will take place on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the Baltimore Convention Center and the honorees will be pinned in the CFG Bank Arena in conjunction with the 2025 CIAA Basketball Tournament, held February 25 - March 1, 2025, in Baltimore, Maryland.
Additionally, the Board endorsed Peggy Davis, former Virginia State University associate Vice President, as the Jimmy Jenkins Legacy posthumous recipient. This award is presented to an individual as approved by the Board who has provided an environment that supports athletic and academic excellence through educational opportunities and community involvement; focused always on the personal growth, mental wellness and development of the student-athlete and its members.
The Jimmy Jenkins Legacy Award designation yields automatic distinction as a Hall of Fame candidate. Davis will be inducted as a member of the CIAA Hall of Fame class of 2025.
Audit & Budget and Finance
The audit financial statements and report were approved by the Board. The CIAA received a clean audit for FY2023. The Board accepted the framework which will shape the strategic direction for the CIAA’s sustainable business practices and opportunities for the future.
“In my 13th season, I am honored to continue to lead this amazing conference and serve in a space where we are dedicated to our mission and strategic direction to support the growth and stability of the conference. The comradery of the Board and their due diligence for the business of the conference is to be commended for its unwavering support and visionary guidance. We have lots to celebrate including regional and national exposure of our student-athletes, leadership programming, and the celebration of 14 championships. We are imagining the possibilities and looking forward to all that is to come for the CIAA,” stated Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. In 2020, the conference celebrates the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member institutions: Bluefield State University, Bowie State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine’s University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Media Contact:
Tonia Walker
twalker@theciaa.com
704-910-2133 Ext. 406