CLEVELAND — Elizabeth City State University proudly celebrates cheerleader and student leader Janiah Beach on being named a 2026 McLendon/CIAA Scholar by the McLendon Foundation, one of the nation's premier organizations dedicated to developing future leaders in the sports industry.
Beach was selected as part of the McLendon Foundation's 26th class of McLendon Scholars, a highly competitive national cohort representing the next generation of leaders in athletics, administration, student-athlete development, marketing, operations, and sports management.
The McLendon Foundation has awarded more than $1.85 million in scholarships to over 160 students nationwide since the program's inception. Beach's selection reflects both her leadership potential and the continued excellence of Elizabeth City State University students within intercollegiate athletics and sports leadership development.
As a student at Elizabeth City State University and a member of the Vikings cheerleading program, Beach has demonstrated leadership, professionalism, and a passion for advancing opportunities within athletics and sports culture. Her recognition through the McLendon Foundation and CIAA partnership highlights the growing impact of HBCU students pursuing careers across the sports industry.
Beach was one of two students nationally to receive the McLendon/CIAA Scholarship, which recognizes outstanding students connected to institutions within the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA). The scholarship reflects the ongoing partnership between the McLendon Foundation and the CIAA to support and elevate future leaders from historically Black colleges and universities..
The 2026-27 McLendon Scholars represent institutions from across the country and a wide range of professional interests within the sports industry. Beach joins an accomplished national class committed to leadership, service, and innovation in athletics.
The 2026-27 McLendon Scholars are:
| Name |
Scholarship |
Graduate School |
| Betina Bergallo |
McCormack |
University of Massachusetts at Amherst |
| Chadd Rowe |
McLendon |
University of South Carolina |
| Fikayo Opakunbi |
McLendon |
University of Massachusetts at Amherst |
| Jada Walker |
McLendon |
Oklahoma |
| Jaide Holliday |
CIAA |
Virginia Commonwealth University |
| Jalen Travick |
Fiesta Bowl |
Arizona State University |
| Janiah Beach |
CIAA |
North Carolina Central University |
| Jordan Jones |
McLendon |
Clemson University |
| Nevaeh Bray |
McLendon |
University of Portland |
| Shay Baker-Watson |
McLendon |
Ohio University |
| Takunda Rusike |
McLendon |
Columbia University |
About Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University, a constituent institution of the University of North Carolina System, is a historically Black university committed to academic excellence, student success, and leadership development. Located in northeastern North Carolina, ECSU continues to prepare students to lead and serve in a global society through transformative educational experiences and a strong tradition of Viking pride.
About the McLendon Foundation
Established in 1999 and administered by NACDA, the McLendon Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to developing the next generation of sports leaders. Through scholarships, mentorship, and leadership programming, the Foundation provides educational resources and career opportunities for aspiring professionals in the sports industry.
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first and longest-running African American athletic conference in the United States and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II athletics.
