Ep 78: Changing the Narrative of HBCU Athletics with Jacqie McWilliams

In this episode, host Ralph Newell welcomes Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Commissioner and the first female to serve as Commissioner for the CIAA, Jacqie McWilliams.

Debunking the misconception that HBCUs are less than, McWilliams speaks to the traditions, legacy, and cultural connection the CIAA has in their communities, providing student-athletes a good experience playing the game and opportunities to excel after the game is over.

Don’t miss this conversation on the experiences of CIAA athletes past and present, opening the doors for people of color in collegiate sports leadership, and McWilliams’s aspirations for the next 50 years of the CIAA.

KEY POINTS:

- What makes the CIAA so special?

- How does the CIAA attract student-athletes?

- The experience of CIAA athletes, then and now

- COVID-19’s impact on the CIAA conference 

- Jacqie McWilliams’s advice for women looking to have a career in sports 

- The future of women, especially of color, in collegiate sports

QUOTABLES:

“I think leadership has to continue to be intentional and thoughtful about what inclusive behaviors are, not just for Title IX, but equity, LGBTQ, and all those things that are important to the health and mental wellness of our student-athletes, our coaches, and administrators.”

“The women that I saw, when you say you want to be what you want to see, I got to see that in the CIAA. And that's why this conference is so special. It’s so much beyond just the sport. It truly is a community for the nation.”

OTHER RESOURCES:

LEARN MORE ABOUT JACQIE MCWILLIAMS https://theciaa.com/staff.aspx?staff=1

College Athletics After COVID-19; What is the Impact? What Are the Ramifications? https://www.diverseeducation.com/webinars/webinar/15114121/college-athletics-after-covid19-what-is-the-impact-what-are-the-ramifications

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In The Margins is produced by Diverse: Issues In Higher Education and edited by Instapodcasts (visit at instapodcasts.com)