Southwestern Athletic Conference Commissioner, Charles McClelland will become the first representative from a historically Black college, university or league to chair the Division I men's basketball committee when he takes over next year.
The NCAA announced Thursday that McClelland, who has been with the SWAC since 2018, would be vice chair this season under Bradley athletic director Chris Reynolds before taking on the role himself for the 2023-24 basketball season.
This is a significant moment not only for McClelland, but also for the SWAC and all of HBCU sports. As head of the Division I mens basketball committee, McClelland will have a direct hand in shaping the future of the sport at the highest level. His appointment is a tribute to his expertise and experience, and it also sends a clear message that HBCUs are an integral part of the NCAA and college basketball. With McClelland at the helm, the SWAC and HBCUs will continue to play a major role in shaping the future of Division I basketball.