HBCU Legends

SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland Receives A New Contract Extension

The Commissioner's new contract will extend through 2032.

Kyle T. Mosley

Dr. Charles McClelland
Dr. Charles McClelland / Credit: Kyle T. Mosley, HBCU Legends
In this story:

BIRMINGHAM, Ala.- The Council of Presidents and Chancellors of the Southwestern Athletic Conference has unanimously approved a contract extension to run through the 2032 academic year for SWAC Commissioner Dr. Charles McClelland.

McClelland was named the sixth commissioner of the SWAC during the summer of 2018. Since then, the league has significantly increased its visibility and presence on the national stage by broadcasting conference football and basketball games on ESPN and HBCUGO platforms.

“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.

Dr. Charles McClelland
July 21, 2022; Birmingham, AL, USA; SWAC Commissioner Charles McClelland is interviewed during the Southwestern Athletic Conference Media Day at the Sheraton Birmingham. Gary Cosby Jr.-The Tuscaloosa News Swac Media Day / Gary Cosby Jr. / USA TODAY NETWORK

“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.”

Overall viewership of league football events reached a historic high this past season as fans were able to access the vast majority of conference games through 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 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball Committee member. Highlights of his tenure on the committee include his serving as chair for the 2023-24 season. With his selection, he became the first person representing an HBCU league or institution to chair the prestigious committee.

*Announcement from the Southwestern Athletic Conference

Published
Kyle T. Mosley

KYLE T. MOSLEY

I am Kyle T. Mosley, the Founder, Managing Editor, and Chief Reporter for the HBCU Legends, Saints News Network, and Pelicans Scoop on FanNation a Sports Illustrated team channel since October 2019.  Morehouse Alum, McDonogh #35 Roneagles (NOLA), Drum Major of the Tenacious Four.  My Father, Mother, Grandmother, Aunts and Uncles were HBCU graduates! Host of "Blow the Whistle" HBCU Legends, "The Quad" with Coach Steward, and "Bayou Blitz" Podcasts. Radio/Media Appearances:  WWL AM/FM Radio in New Orleans (Mike Detillier/Bobby Hebert),  KCOH AM 1230 in Houston (Ralph Cooper), WBOK AM in New Orleans (Reggie Flood/Ro Brown), and 103.7FM "The Game" (Jordy Hultberg/Clint Domingue), College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt), Jeff Lightsly Show, and Offscript TV on YouTube. Television Appearance: Fox26 in Houston on The Isiah Carey Factor, College Kickoff Unlimited (Emory Hunt). My Notable Interviews:  Byron Allen (Media Mogul), Deion Sanders (Jackson State University, Head Coach), Tomekia Reed (Jackson State Lady Tigers Basketball Coach), Taylor Rooks (NBA Reporter), Swin Cash (VP of Basketball - New Orlean Pelicans), Demario and Tamala Davis (NFL Player), Jerry Rice (Hall of Famer), Doug Williams (HBCU & NFL Legend), Emmitt Smith (Hall of Famer), James "Shack" Harris (HBCU & NFL Legend), Cris Carter (Hall of Famer), Solomon Wilcots (SiriusXM NFL Host), Steve Wyche (NFL Network), Jim Trotter (NFL Network), Travis Williams (Founder of HBCU All-Stars, LLC), Malcolm Jenkins (NFL Player), Cam Jordan (NFL), Demario Davis (NFL), Allan Houston (NBA All-Star), Drew Brees (Former NFL QB), Deuce McAllister (Former NFL RB), Willie Roaf (NFL Hall of Fame), Jim Everett (Former NFL Player), Quinn Early (Former NFL Player), Dr. Reef (NFL Players' Trainer Specialist), Nataria Holloway (VP of the NFL). I am building a new team of journalists, podcasters, videographers, and interns.  For media requests, interviews, or interest in joining HBCU Legends, please contact me at kmosley@hbcusi.com. Follow me: