BLACK COLLEGE PRESIDENTS: Pioneering On The Frontiers Of Education

Ebony, Sept, 2001

FEW jobs are as difficult and as demanding, and as essential, as the job of the Black college president who is, among other things, an administrator, teacher, public relations agent, fundraiser, motivator, parental surrogate, civil rights leader and confessor. Since the founding of the first Black college in the 19th century, a number of Black women and men have carried out these tasks so well that they have changed not only Black education but also White education and America. Since the Freedom Movement of the '60s, a new generation of presidents, including an increasing percentage of female presidents, has given new meaning to this ancient tradition. While continuing the tradition of producing the best and brightest Black America has to offer, and providing some of the best programs in the country at a fraction of the cost, they are also charting new directions for the new millennium.

The CIAA--America's Proudest Conference

The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the nation's oldest African-American conference. Established in 1912, the CIAA is made up of 12 Historically Black Colleges and Universities located along the eastern seaboard. The CIAA is dedicated, first and foremost, to providing a well-rounded education to our students, preparing young men and women for success in life by offering a balanced combination of academics, athletics and social activities.

The conference has produced some of America's most important sports figures including legends Earl "The Pearl" Monroe, Clarence "Bighouse" Gaines, "Curly" Neal, and Sam Jones. More recently, CIAA standouts have included NBA strong man Charles Oakley and the 1999 6th man of the year Darrell Armstrong, NFL all-pros Yancey Thigpen, Ben Coates and Orande Gadsen, and five Olympians at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney.

At the heart of the CIAA's success is its annual year-end basketball tournament. The "CIAA' is a weeklong event that includes fashion shows, musical concerts, gala events, family and alumni reunions, and has become a highly anticipated annual celebration for all CIAA fans. Part Essence Jazz Festival, part NCAA Final Four, part Cannes Film Festival, the tournament can best be described as the quintessential African-American cultural experience.

The success of the CIAA is based on a foundation of academic opportunity, athletic tradition, the loyalty of its fans, outstanding leadership at both the conference and university level, and the support of some of America's most prestigious corporations. Our corporate partners, including Coca-Cola, Bank of America, Reebok, Food Lion, Ford, and Home Depot contribute over $2 million each year, much of which goes back to the member schools in the form of scholarships. We are also proud of the community service programs made possible by our sponsors, including the Coca-Cola Ball Boy/Girl Essay Contest, Bank of America's Leadership Forum Series, Home Depot's Project Kaboom and the 12-campus Red Cross Blood Drive to be implemented this fall.

As we begin the 21st century we want to thank our presidents, chancellors, faculty, alumni, fans and valued sponsors. We invite all EBONY readers to experience what the CIAA is truly about. Visit www.theciaa.com or www.ciaa2002.com for the latest news on the America's proudest conference.

Sincerely, The CIAA Board of Directors

Elizabeth City, North Carolina Founded 1891

Elizabeth City State University is a public, liberal arts university offering 32 baccalaureate degrees through its Schools of Arts and Humanities, Business and Economics, Education and Psychology, and Mathematics, Science and Technology. ECSU also offers the Master's degree in Advanced Elementary Education.

Located in a waterfront community in northeastem North Carolina, ECSU provides a challenging and supportive environment and is known for the personalized attention, caring, and commitment of its distinguished faculty and staff who take great interest in individual student growth and success.

Opportunities abound for students to get involved and become leaders. Whether it be in the many fraternities, sororities, clubs or as a participant in the choirs, bands, or cheerleader or athletics teams, students are able to foster lifelong relationships. ECSU's attractive, park-like campus offers a safe environment, favored by a mild climate, with access to beaches and cities in the Mid-Atlantic region of the east coast.

For more information, call (800) 347-ECSU or visit our website at www.ecsu.edu.

A constituent institution of The University of North Carolina

A Legend and a Legacy

Grambling State University retired Legendary coach Eddie Robinson is the winningest college coach in history with an impressive 408 career wins; and Legacy Coach Doug Williams was MVP in Super Bowl XXII.

GSU CURRENT ATHLETIC DISTINCTIONS:

* 1st among all historically black colleges and universities in producing professional athletes

* Leads the state of Louisiana in graduating student-athletes

* 2000 Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) Champions in Football, Softball, and Cross Country