Charlotte, NC – The Board of Directors of The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), the nation’s oldest historically black conference, has endorsed a second term as Chair of the Board for Dr. Aminta Breaux, Bowie State University President with Shaw University President, Dr. Paulette Dilliard serving as Vice Chair. Each will serve a two-year term through 2025.
In President Breaux’s initial term, the CIAA transitioned the CIAA basketball tournament to Baltimore in 2021 and has extended through 2026. “Following a successful basketball tournament in Baltimore, generating nearly $30 M in economic benefit to the Baltimore region, the CIAA is poised for greater achievements in this upcoming academic year, for our student-athletes, our member institutions, and the communities they serve,” said Dr. Breaux. “Our historic CIAA has proven year-over-year to be an economic benefit while providing a rich learning experience for students enrolled in our 13 HBCU member schools.”
The Board voted unanimously to approve extending Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker’s contract through June 2028 who is entering her 12th season as the leader of the 13-member conference.
Over the past 11 years, Commissioner McWilliams Parker has stabilized the finances by reducing the conference’s financial risks and through securing revenue and resources to support the short- and long-term goals of the CIAA. The Commissioner relocated the CIAA conference office to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2015 where 7 of the 13 conference members reside in the state of N.C.
The commissioner has led her team to enhance the student-athlete experience through championships and educational opportunities while developing strategies to improve branding and marketing efforts for greater exposure for the conference and its members. In 2021, amid the Impact of COVID, she spearheaded the first first-ever virtual tournament – CIAA Virtual Vibe: Tournament Edition which featured cornerstone events and interactive offerings, which engaged CIAA sponsors and provided national exposure that was needed at such a time. The move of the CIAA basketball tournament to Baltimore, Maryland is valued over $3.5 million a year to support the overall championship and community experience. This past March she celebrated alongside partner, Van Wagner, as they exceeded the goal of sponsorship sales of $4.4M. Lastly, she welcomed the CIAA’s newest member, Bluefield State University in July. The CIAA also welcomes three new incoming presidents to the Board, President Robin Capehart, Bluefield State University, Dr. Valerie Kinloch, Johnsons C. Smith University and Dr. Anthony Graham, Winston-Salem State University.
“My time as commissioner of the CIAA has been one of the greatest professional privileges of my life,” said Commissioner McWilliams Parker. “I am humbled by the endorsement and continued confidence from the Board, and I am excited about the promise of this conference with limitless potential. I look forward to the continued work with our Presidents and Chancellors, athletics administrators, coaches, student-athletes, partners, and staff to find innovative ways to make sure the CIAA evolves continually as a vibrant and thriving athletic conference that is committed to its Legacy, Leadership and Community.”