Charlotte, NC (October 22, 2025) — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s first historically Black athletic conference, today announced the public release of its 2025–2030 Strategic Plan as the conference heads into championship season. The plan was unanimously approved by the CIAA Board of Directors at its most recent meeting, alongside a refreshed mission and strategic vision, reinforcing the CIAA’s role as a historic and future facing leader in intercollegiate athletics. 

Refreshed Mission Statement 
As the first historically Black athletic conference and a leader in intercollegiate athletics, the CIAA is rooted in a proud legacy of excellence, leadership, and community. We are committed to supporting the total well-being and development of our student-athletes academically, athletically, and personally. Through strong community engagement and strategic partnerships, we foster meaningful experiences that uplift our institutions, empower future leaders, and inspire change beyond the game. 

Refreshed Strategic Vision 
To cultivate a dynamic environment where athletics and education thrive together honoring the legacy of the past, embracing leadership in the present, and creating lasting, positive impact in the communities we serve. 

The 2025–2030 Strategic Plan outlines the following priorities to guide the CIAA over the coming years: 

• Conflict Management Programming – Workshops and training designed for student-athletes and coaches. 

• Sports Scheduling & Alignment Review – Enhancements aimed at increasing postseason competitiveness. 

• Sports Sponsorship Analysis – Evaluation of mandated and non-mandated sports to ensure alignment with institutional capacity and student interest. 

Strategic Priorities 
The CIAA Strategic Plan centers around five priorities that will guide the conference over the coming years: 

• Maximizing Value & Impact – Ensure fiscal transparency, broad participation in budgeting, and innovative revenue generation through championships, membership, and partnerships. 

• Inclusive Excellence & Student Success – Promote holistic development of Division II student-athletes mind, body, and soul while fostering inclusive excellence, academic achievement, and respectful competition. 

• A Legacy Like No Other – Elevate the CIAA brand through licensing, media, and storytelling that highlights athletic and academic success while honoring traditions and showcasing a legacy unmatched in Division II. 

• Sustainable Membership & Ethical Competition – Support member institutions with educational resources, compliance guidance, and alignment with NCAA Division II while promoting fair play, integrity, and sportsmanship. 

• Amplifying Our Legacy – Strengthen institutions and communities through strategic partnerships, sponsorships, and innovative media, while amplifying the value and visibility of HBCUs and the CIAA’s proud heritage. 

“The Board’s approval of our strategic plan and refreshed mission demonstrates our commitment to excellence, student-athlete development, and community impact,” said Jacqie McWilliams Parker, Commissioner of the CIAA. “Releasing this plan ahead of championship season highlights our continued dedication to elevating both the competitive and educational experiences of our student-athletes.” 

More information on the CIAA Strategic Plan can be found here. 

Media Contact:    
Anna M. Butzlaff    
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications    
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA)    
abutzlaff@theciaa.com    

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. 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 12 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University.    

For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.