The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is an athletic conference consisting of eleven historically African-American institutions of higher education: Bowie State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, St. Augustine's College, St. Paul's College, Shaw University, Virginia State University and Virginia Union University, all working together to set an overall standard of excellence.
Established in 1912, the CIAA is the nation's oldest black athletic conference, rich in history and heritage. The CIAA is entering its ninety-third year of athletic competition in which they will continue to reap success and recognition on the field and on the court. The presence of the CIAA as a premiere member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division II, continues to expand throughout the country. Expansion of television broadcasts has resulted in nationwide coverage of football and basketball contests, as well as the annual CIAA Basketball Tournament. Increasing competitiveness in other sports is also leading to recognition of CIAA member schools as athletic powerhouses. The reputation, in conjunction with the academic success of our athletes, is a proud legacy for the CIAA.
The conference is divided into Eastern and Western Divisions in all sports except football and baseball. The CIAA annually sponsors 16 men's and women's championships. The eight men's championships include football, cross country, indoor track, basketball, golf, tennis, baseball, and track & field. The eight women's champions are bowling, cross country, volleyball, indoor track, basketball, softball, tennis and track & field. The football champion is determined by standings as determined by regular season record.