Charlotte, NC (June 20, 2025) – The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Board of Directors, composed of the Presidents and Chancellors of its thirteen member institutions, convened for its annual Spring Meeting on June 11–12, 2025, at Virginia State University. The two-day meeting focused on critical decisions to advance the conference’s strategic direction, athletic programming, and institutional alignment. 

Among the highlights was the approval of Baltimore, Maryland as the host city for the CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament through 2029. The Board’s decision extends Baltimore’s tenure as a premier destination for the tournament, continuing a partnership that has delivered high-impact fan experiences and strong community engagement. 

"Baltimore has proven to be more than a host city; it’s a partner in progress," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "We’re excited to build on our shared vision of celebrating culture, community, and competition in a way that uplifts our student-athletes and delivers for our fans." 

In alignment with the new tournament term, the Board also approved an extension of the CIAA’s exclusive apparel agreement with Under Armour, adjusting the contract through 2029. This continued partnership ensures consistent brand alignment across all institutions and championship events. 

"Under Armour continues to be a powerful partner in our journey, elevating the look, feel, and performance of our student-athletes while reinforcing our identity across the national stage," said Commissioner McWilliams Parker. "We are proud to move forward together with a shared commitment to innovation and impact." 

The Board also unanimously approved a refreshed mission and strategic vision statement, reinforcing the CIAA’s role as a historic and future-facing leader in intercollegiate athletics: 

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. 

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. 
In support of these guiding principles, the Board approved the 2025–2030 CIAA Strategic Plan, which outlines the following priorities: 

• Conflict Management Programming: Workshops and training 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. 

In a nod to the conference’s ongoing growth in sport offerings, the Board also approved the return of the CIAA Baseball Championship, while continuing to explore championship opportunities for other conference non-sponsored sports. 
Additionally, the Board rendered a decision regarding conference membership, voting not to extend the membership of Saint Augustine’s University (SAU) due to ongoing compliance and operational concerns. 
The 2025 Spring Meeting reinforced the CIAA’s unwavering commitment to honoring its rich legacy while building a sustainable, student-centered future across its member institutions. 

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 13 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, 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. 

For media inquiries, contact: 
Anna M. Butzlaff 
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications & External Partnerships 
Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) 
abutzlaff@theciaa.com