Charles McClelland was named Texas Southern Athletic Director in April 2008. He oversees 16 sports, nine women and seven men. McClelland was instrumental in finalizing the deal for TSU to play football at the new Houston Dynamo Stadium starting fall 2012. He previously served as athletic director at Prairie View A&M University from 2000-2007. A native of Jackson, MS, he is a graduate of Prairie View A&M University in both undergrad and graduate studies and is currently working on his doctoral degree at Texas A&M University.
Uba Okereke: First of all I would like to thank you for the opportunity to interview you.
Charles McClelland: My pleasure.
UO: What is your prognosis of the athletics programs this season?
CM: Well, I think we made tremendous progress in our 5 year strategic plan. We met many of our goals. Our graduation rate was at 35% and increased to 43%. We project that by the end of the year all but one of our programs will meet the NCAA minimum requirements. We have generated over $1.2 million dollars in our fundraising efforts and our infrastructure has improved in a two and a half year span. Obviously we won the SWAC Football Championship, our men’s basketball team is in first place and we are projected to compete for the championship in baseball and softball.
UO: Can you tell us more about the recent NCAA probe into TSU Athletic Department?
CM: Not at this point. I can’t elaborate until we get additional information from the NCAA. What I can say that it was based upon an APR audit. We have been in an NCAA audit since I have been here as athletic director. What we are hoping is that during this go-round they take a look at everything. I was in direct response to some of the issues in relation to the NCAA and we have worked the last two years to resolve the problem.
UO: What is the current status regarding QB Arvell Nelson?
CM: We are not going to release any information at this time as most of the matter is personal and confidential. Other than the facts, we will continue to state that is a one-time issue that had nothing to do with his eligibility. We just had to make the necessary call for the benefit of the team.
UO: Do you feel that a championship foundation has been laid within athletics now that the football team is now SWAC champions?
CM: Well, that’s ultimately what we hope. Winning a football championship is a very difficult proposition. There have only been a handful of teams throughout the decades who have won back-to-back championships. We feel that we have the foundation in order to do that but there are things that we have to occur. The new stadium is now on line and we will begin play in fall 2012. We are rich in talent and we have the tools in order for us to be good for a long time.
UO: What is the current status with the Labor Day Classic?
CM: We will not be playing in the Classic. Prairie View has agreed to play in the 2011 SWAC/MEAC challenge which falls on Labor Day weekend. Texas Southern and Prairie View will play the following Saturday with TSU as the home team.
UO: Thanks again for this opportunity to interview you.
CM: You’re very welcome.
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