Dr. Charles McClelland, the sixth Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Commissioner, on Tuesday, February 25th, was unanimously voted on by the Chancellors and Presidents of the SWAC to extend his contract another five years. The extension is scheduled to run through 2025.
Dr. McClelland’s job entails that he be the Chief Executive Officer of the Conference and report to the Conference Council of Chancellors and Presidents of the SWAC. He works closely with the Council and Athletic Directors, and certain administration athletic staff of each institution to develop strategies and initiatives to achieve the mission of the Conference.
Upon receiving his extension, Dr. McClelland stated, “I’m very excited about what the future holds for the Conference. I’m extremely humbled to have the opportunity to serve as Commissioner of the SWAC. My overall goal is to make the SWAC one of the best conferences in the nation. Our membership has an unwavering commitment that we will leave no stone unturned as it relates to achieving that goal.”
The 10 universities that Dr. McClelland resides over as Commissioner are Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Grambling State University in Grambling, Louisiana, Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas, Alcorn State University in Lorman, Mississippi, Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama, Mississippi Valley State University in Itta Bena, Mississippi, Alabama A&M University in Normal, Alabama, the University of Arkansas Pine Buff in Pine Bluff, Arkansas and Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.
A 1993 graduate of Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Dr. McClelland earned his Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and later received his MBA in 1997 from PVAMU as well. He earned his Doctorate in Higher Education Administration from Texas A&M University in 2011.