CHARLOTTE, NC (June 26, 2026) — The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) Board of Directors concluded its 2026 Spring Board Meeting at Lincoln University (PA) with several strategic actions designed to strengthen the conference's future, including the extension of Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker's contract through 2031.
The Board unanimously approved the contract extension following its annual review of Commissioner McWilliams Parker's performance, reaffirming its confidence in her leadership and vision for the future of the CIAA. The extension will continue her leadership through 2031 as the conference advances strategic priorities focused on championship excellence, student-athlete success, institutional growth, and national visibility.
"I am grateful to the Board of Directors for their continued confidence and support of our vision for the CIAA," said Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "This conference has a rich legacy built by generations of leaders, member institutions, student-athletes, coaches, and administrators. Together, we have made tremendous progress in strengthening the CIAA’s brand, enhancing the student athlete experience, deepening sponsor and partner engagement, and elevating the overall fan experience. I am excited about what lies ahead as we continue to elevate our conference and build upon the foundation that makes the CIAA one of the most respected conferences in intercollegiate athletics."
"In addition to extending the Commissioner's contract, the Board approved several key initiatives and actions that will shape the future of the conference.
Among the most significant actions was the approval of an expanded CIAA Football Championship format. Beginning in Fall 2026, the championship will transition to a new playoff structure, with details to be announced at CIAA Media Day July 15, 2026, to be held in Durham, NC. The move is intended to enhance postseason opportunities for student-athletes while increasing excitement and engagement around CIAA football.
The Board also reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the conference's current mandated sport structure while continuing to evaluate opportunities for growth. As previously approved during the Fall 2025 Board Meeting, Women's Flag Football will officially become a varsity sport across the conference beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.
Looking toward future sport sponsorship opportunities, the Board authorized the conference office to continue exploring the feasibility of expanding women's soccer opportunities through potential associate membership partnerships and providing conference championship experiences for those sports not sponsored by the CIAA (i.e., baseball, men’s and women’s soccer). A comprehensive review of financial implications and membership considerations will be conducted, with findings to be presented to the Board in Fall 2026.
The actions taken during the Spring Board Meeting reflect the CIAA's ongoing commitment to strategic growth, financial stewardship, competitive excellence, and enhanced experience for its member institutions and student-athletes.
Media Contact:
Anna M. Butzlaff
Associate Commissioner, Strategic Communications & External Operations
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.