FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Tonia Walker CIAA Senior Associate Commissioner for Strategic Communications, (704) 910-2133, Ext. 406
Charlotte, N.C., October 31, 2024 – The McLendon Foundation, in collaboration with the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), is thrilled to introduce the CIAA-McLendon Scholarship. This scholarship will annually provide two $10,000 postgraduate scholarships to students from CIAA member institutions, supporting their academic and professional development as they prepare for careers in sports.
Adrien Harraway, Senior Vice President of NACDA and Director of the McLendon Foundation, shared his enthusiasm: “Coach McLendon was a trailblazer who not only helped establish the CIAA Basketball Tournament but also opened doors for countless young athletes and students. This partnership honors his legacy by continuing that work, providing underrepresented students with the resources and opportunities they need to thrive in the sports industry and beyond.”
Jacqie McWilliams-Parker, CIAA Commissioner, added, “Partnering with the McLendon Foundation celebrates our shared commitment of expanding educational access and opportunity and keeping Coach McLendon’s legacy alive in our conference. The CIAA-McLendon Scholarship embodies our responsibility to empowering tomorrow’s trailblazers.”
The partnership between the McLendon Foundation and CIAA holds special significance, as Coach John McLendon, a pioneer in sports and civil rights, was instrumental in founding the CIAA Basketball Tournament. He began his coaching career at North Carolina College for Negroes (now North Carolina Central University), leading the Eagles to eight CIAA Championships. A three-time NAIA Coach of the Year, McLendon made history at Tennessee State by becoming the first coach to win three consecutive NAIA championships. In recognition of his contributions, the CIAA honors his legacy by naming its Hall of Fame class after him, with McLendon’s commitment to mentorship and excellence continuing to influence the conference’s values today.
The CIAA-McLendon Scholarship invites underrepresented and women candidates from CIAA member institutions entering their first year of postgraduate studies in sports-related fields to apply. One scholarship, named the Eric Moore Scholarship in honor of the 2019 CIAA Hall of Fame inductee and media pioneer, supports candidates pursuing careers in communications, marketing, or media.
The application process for the CIAA-McLendon Scholarship will open on November 1, 2024, and will be open through February 1, 2025. Interested candidates can find more information and apply through the McLendon Foundation’s website at www.minorityleaders.com.
For more information, or any questions related to the Scholarship, please contact itibrewal@nacda.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. In 2020, the conference celebrated the special 75th anniversary of its Championship Basketball Tournament – an event that has become a must-see in the African American community. 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.
About the McLendon Foundation:
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. The Foundation honors the legacy of Hall of Fame coach John McLendon who was a pioneer in the field of athletics, the game of basketball, and the civil rights arena. Its mission is to create access and opportunities for historically excluded talent who aspire to impact the sports industry. The Foundation is committed to empowering and developing the next generation of executive leaders in sports through financial resources, a robust educational curriculum and an engaged community of principled leaders. All organizational planning for the Foundation directly aligns with the values of Coach McLendon: Integrity, Education, Leadership and Mentorship. More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at minorityleaders.org and @McLendonScholar.
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