25 LC 129 0195
Senate Resolution 351
By: Senators Halpern of the 39th, Jones II of the 22nd, Parent of the 44th, Orrock of the 36th,
Esteves of the 35th and others
A RESOLUTION
Recognizing and commending Dr. Charles F. McClelland on his outstanding service; and for
1
other purposes.2
WHEREAS, Dr. Charles F. McClelland has served as the Commissioner of the Southwestern3
Athletic Conference (SWAC) since 2018, providing visionary leadership to a conference that4
now includes 12 member institutions across six states competing at the NCAA Division I5
level; and6
WHEREAS, under his leadership, the SWAC has grown through the additions of Florida7
A&M and Bethune-Cookman as well as through the purchase of a permanent office space8
to serve as its headquarters; and9
WHEREAS, prior to his tenure with the SWAC, he served as Vice President of10
Intercollegiate Athletics at Texas Southern University, where he oversaw significant11
improvements in athletic facilities, academic progress rates, and student-athlete graduation12
rates as well as secured television broadcasting deals and a multi-million-dollar apparel13
partnership with Under Armour; and14
S. R. 351
- 1 - 25 LC 129 0195
WHEREAS, he previously served as Athletics Director at Prairie View A&M University,
15
where he led the program to 18 championships and played a pivotal role in revitalizing the16
football program, culminating in the team's first winning season in over 30 years; and17
WHEREAS, Dr. McClelland's contributions to collegiate athletics have earned him national18
recognition, including the AstroTurf Athletics Director of the Year Award in 2007—the first19
SWAC Athletic Director to receive this prestigious honor; and20
WHEREAS, his service extends beyond athletics through his involvement with the Prairie21
View A&M University National Alumni Association, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc., the22
Rotary Club of Birmingham, and numerous NCAA leadership committees; and23
WHEREAS, it is abundantly fitting and proper that the outstanding accomplishments of this24
remarkable and distinguished individual be appropriately recognized.25
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE that the members of this body26
recognize and commend Dr. Charles F. McClelland for his exceptional leadership and his27
many exemplary contributions to collegiate athletics as well as extend the most sincere best28
wishes for continued success.29
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed30
to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to Dr. Charles F.31
McClelland.32
S. R. 351
- 2 -