CHARLOTTE –  Johnson C. Smith University women's basketball Jhaid Westbrook has been selected as one of twelve student recipients of The McLendon Experience Scholarship, awarded by the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), taking place October 9–10 in Durham, North Carolina.

The McLendon Experience brings together over 200 aspiring sports professionals, student-athletes, and young leaders for two days of transformative networking, professional development, and industry engagement. As a scholarship recipient, Sloan will receive up to $1,000 in support, including full event registration, hotel accommodations, and reimbursement for travel and meals.

This year, the CIAA is proud to celebrate representation from every member institution, underscoring the conference's ongoing commitment to providing equitable access to leadership and professional growth opportunities for all student-athletes. In addition, CIAA Graduate Assistant Symone Wright-Flowers will attend as the Experience Leader, supporting and guiding CIAA students throughout the event. 

"We are incredibly proud of our CIAA students who have been selected to participate in The McLendon Experience," said CIAA Commissioner Jacqie McWilliams Parker. "This opportunity not only provides access through our CIAA Leadership Academy Platform to career pathways in the sports industry but also reflects the leadership, excellence, and commitment to growth that define the CIAA. We look forward to watching our students shine and represent their institutions with pride." 

 

• Alexis Edmonds – Virginia State University
• Treja Patterson – Fayetteville State University
• Breanna Steele – Winston-Salem State University
• Brayson Seaborne – Elizabeth City State University
• Rashid Muhammad – Claflin University
• Jhaid Westbrook – Johnson C. Smith University
• Aliya Rose – Lincoln University
• Elyssa Lapena – Shaw University
• Jade Lane – Virginia Union University
• Devin Felder – Bowie State University
• Jackie Sandy – Bluefield State University

About the McLendon Foundation
The McLendon Foundation, established in 1999, is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded and administered by NACDA. Through its scholarship program and leadership initiatives, the McLendon Foundation provides minorities with educational resources, practical experiences, and serves as a vehicle for networking, career advancement, and advocacy on behalf of the profession.

More information regarding the McLendon Foundation can be found at minorityleaders.org.