BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — The Southwestern Athletic Conference Council of Presidents and Chancellors has unanimously approved a contract extension for SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland.
The extension which will run through 2032 academic year, was announced on Friday afternoon.
“Over the course of the past five years the Southwestern Athletic Conference has made significant strides towards becoming one of the most widely recognized and visible athletic conferences in the country,” said SWAC Council of Presidents and Chancellors Chairman Quinton T. Ross Jr., Ed.D.
“The visionary and dynamic leadership of Commissioner McClelland has helped propel our conference to prominence on a national stage while also increasing the availability of financial resources that have positively impacted the overall student-athlete experience. We are undoubtedly excited about the continued upward trajectory of our league under his leadership.”
McClelland was named the sixth commissioner of the SWAC during the summer of 2018. Since that time the league has significantly increased its visibility and presence on a national stage through the broadcasting of conference football and basketball games on ESPN and HBCUGO platforms.
Overall viewership of league football events reached a historic high this past season with fans able to access the vast majority of conference games via streaming digital platforms and linear programming.
McClelland’s commitment to the overall financial stability of the league annually serves as a key strategic focal point in the Conference Office. Under his leadership, its membership has implemented several initiatives that have greatly impacted the overall financial outlook of the league.
These innovative fiscal and fundraising initiatives have improved the overall student-athlete experience at conference sponsored championship events which is another key point of emphasis for the Conference Office and league membership.
Along with his duties at the league office, McClelland recently completed a five-year appointment as a member of the NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee. Highlights of his tenure on the committee include him serving as chair of the committee for the 2023-24 season. With his selection he became the first person representing an HBCU league or institution to chair the prestigious committee.
About the SWAC
The Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) is considered one of the premier HBCU conferences in the country and currently ranks among the elite in the nation in terms of HBCU alumni playing with professional sports teams.
Current championship competition offered by the league includes competition for men in Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field and Tennis.
Women’s competition is offered in the sports of Basketball, Bowling, Cross Country, Golf, Indoor Track and Field, Outdoor Track and Field, Soccer, Softball, Tennis and Volleyball.