Charlotte, N.C. - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA®) recognized outstanding student athletes, administrators, and member institutions during the 2026 CIAA Membership Awards Luncheon, celebrating excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, service, and institutional achievement throughout the 2025 to 2026 academic year.  

Jamieson Alston from the Winston-Salem State University football team was named the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. This award exemplifies the true definition of a student-athlete, demonstrating excellence in the classroom, on the field, and throughout the community and voted on by the leagues Sports Information Directors.

Academic Excellence
Alston has distinguished himself as one of the premier scholars at Winston-Salem State, maintaining an outstanding 3.89 cumulative GPA while balancing the rigorous demands of collegiate athletics. His academic consistency is reflected in multiple Dean's List honors (Spring 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025), showcasing his commitment to sustained excellence.
Beyond the classroom, Alston is an active member of several prestigious organizations that recognize leadership and academic achievement. He is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a charter member of the Order of Omega National Greek Leadership Honor Society, and a member of The National Society of Leadership & Success. Additionally, he serves on the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), where he plays a vital role in advocating for student-athlete success and engagement.
His academic and athletic balance has earned him national recognition, as he was named to the CSC Academic All-District Team (Second Team), further highlighting his excellence in both arenas.

Athletic Achievement
On the field, Alston has proven himself to be an impact performer and leader. He earned All-CIAA Second Team honors in 2025, recognizing his contributions and performance at a high level of competition. His talents and character also led to his selection to participate in the prestigious HBCU Legacy Bowl, an honor reserved for top HBCU student-athletes who excel athletically and academically while representing their institutions with distinction. He earned multiple CIAA Weekly honors throughout the season.
During his senior year as captain, he led the Rams' defense, recording 81 tackles, 44 solo, 37 assists, 12.5 tackles for loss for 45 yards, 2.0 sacks, 1 interception, 1 pass breakup, and 2 force fumble.

Leadership & Service
Alston's commitment extends far beyond campus, as he has consistently dedicated his time to meaningful community service initiatives. He has:

• Assisted with campus clean-up efforts following Homecoming, helping restore and maintain the university environment
• Participated in clothing donations to Goodwill and local homeless shelters in Winston-Salem, supporting underserved populations
• Helped redesign and renovate the landscape of Little Angels Child Development Center in Reidsville, North Carolina, contributing to a better environment for young children
• Assisted with meal preparation for the 2025 Uplift Inc. Golf Tournament Scholarship Fund in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, directly supporting scholarship opportunities for others

Through these efforts, Alston has demonstrated a deep commitment to service, leadership, and uplifting communities both locally and beyond.

Jamieson Alston embodies the mission and values of the CIAA through his exceptional academic performance, athletic achievement, leadership, and service.

His impact is felt not only through his accomplishments but through the standard of excellence he sets for others. Jamieson Alston is the definition of a complete student athlete.

Other awards mentioned was Faith Kiplimo from Fayetteville State University was named the CIAA Female Scholar of the Year.

The conference also honored members of the 2026 CIAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee Executive Board for their service and leadership throughout the year. Recipients of the 2026 CIAA SAAC
Executive Board Student Service Awards included Darius Satterfield of Elizabeth City State University, Camdyn Peck of Elizabeth City State University, Ethaliah Edouard of Johnson C. Smith University, and Kaiya Wright of Fayetteville State University.  

The CIAA also announced the recipients of the 2026 CIAA Post Graduate Scholarships, awarded to graduates pursuing advanced degrees in athletics, sports administration, sports medicine, and media relations. This year's recipients of the Eric Moore Postgraduate Scholarship, awarded in collaboration with the McLendon Foundation, were Jade Holiday of Fayetteville State University and Janiah Beech of Elizabeth City State University.  

2026 CIAA Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year honors were presented to Dr. Deborah Quick of Johnson C. Smith University in recognition of her longstanding commitment to student athlete success and institutional leadership.  

Deron Norwood of Fayetteville State University was named the 2026 CIAA Compliance Director of the Year, while Tristan Gunter of Bowie State University earned the John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year Award.

Lataya Hilliard Gray of Elizabeth City State University received Senior Woman Administrator of the Year honors for her leadership, advocacy, and service within collegiate athletics.

Anthony Bennett of Fayetteville State University was recognized as the 2026 CIAA Athletic Director of the Year, endorsed by BSN SPORTS, for excellence in leadership, competitive success, and student athlete achievement. 

The conference's prestigious Jeanette Lee Award was presented to James DuBose, Director of Athletics at Elizabeth City State University, in recognition of his servant leadership, steady guidance, and commitment to advancing the CIAA during a period of transition and growth for the conference.

Institutional awards were also presented during the luncheon.

Fayetteville State University earned the 2026 Loretta Taylor Women's All Sports Award, while Virginia Union University received the C.H. Williams Men's All Sports Award. 

Virginia Union University was also recognized with the 2026 Most Positive Game Environment Award, voted on by the CIAA Student Athlete Advisory Committee to acknowledge outstanding sportsmanship demonstrated by student athletes, coaches, and institutions throughout the year.