ATLANTA, Ga. (May 31, 2023) – The Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) is proud to announce its 2023 SIAC Hall of Fame Class that was inducted on Wednesday, July 12 at the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Allen University President, Dr. Ernest McNealey was one of the honorees inducted into the Hall of Fame earlier Wednesday.
 
"I am excited to usher in the next group of legendary figures that have made the SIAC one of the most revered athletic conferences in America for more than a century," said SIAC Commissioner Anthony Holloman. "It is only fitting that we celebrated icons from days past in conjunction with our annual Football Media Day where the stars of the future will be on display."

"It's an honor to join the black community and the legion of legends in the SIAC that have gone on to be leaders, to serve and make a difference in the world," commented President McNealey. "To be selected for the SIAC Hall of Fame is certainly, and beyond question, humbling and very gratifying."
 
The SIAC Hall of Fame event today recognized individuals whose accomplishments on and off the playing fields have had a lasting impact on the conference and are worthy of induction to this most exclusive group of SIAC Legends. Additionally, these honorees have distinguished themselves with their contributions to the rich history and tradition of our member institutions. The SIAC Hall of Fame was established to preserve the history and celebrate the accomplishments of former student-athletes, coaches, administrators, and contributors that have excelled on the playing fields, while pioneering integrity, sportsmanship, and character off the field.

The newest members of the SIAC Hall of Fame were chosen from a list of nominees who were submitted by their respective institutions.
  
The 2023 SIAC Hall of Fame Honorees includes the 1993 Alabama A&M Women's Track and Field Team, Ernest McNealey (Allen University), Calvin Smyre (Fort Valley State University), Drayton Florence (Tuskegee University), Jeffrey Henderson (Stillman College), Arthur McAfee Jr. (Morehouse College), and Alex Percival (Morehouse College).

Dr. Ernest McNealey | Administrator | Allen University
 

McNealey is the 30th President of Allen University. He was integral in restarting the Yellow Jacket football and softball programs and introducing women's soccer and women's wrestling to the university. Dr. McNealey also ensured Allen's transition from NAIA into NCAA Division II, re-joining the SIAC in 2020.
 
During his tenure, the University achieved unparalleled success with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools including reaffirmation of accreditation, level change from II to III to offer the first graduate program, a Master of Divinity, approval to offer online degree programs, and approval to offer associate degrees. New undergraduate programs in Sports Management, Criminal Justice, and Elementary Education were launched, as well as a Master of Arts in Religious. The aesthetic quotient of the campus was significantly elevated via renovations, repairs, and landscaping. University students were relieved of buying textbooks and received free e-textbooks, telemedicine insurance w/prescription drugs, and received Apple MacBooks. The first marching band since the 1960s was launched along with a symphonic band. The University's financial stability grew under his leadership, including a perfect 3.0 on the financial responsibility score from the US Department of Education.
 
As a result of early advocacy and activism in higher education, McNealey was elected/appointed a member, director, and/or chair of many educational and professional organizations. He served as a member of the HBCU Capital Financing Program Board, the Southern Education HBCU Foundation Advisory Board, the Honda Campus All-Star Challenge Advisory Board, the Paul R. Jones Art Collection Board, and the NCAA D-II Presidents' Council. He was a member of the Commission on Colleges and served on the Executive Committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, and a member of the ETS/HBCU Advisory Board. He also served as chair of the boards of the Association of Presbyterian Colleges and Universities, and the National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education.
 
McNealey holds a bachelor's degree from Alabama State University, a master's from Indiana University, and a Ph.D. from The Ohio State University. He is also a graduate of the Harvard Management Institute, a charter member of 100 Black Men of West Alabama, a Life Member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and was inducted into Beta Kappa Boulé of Sigma Pi Phi Fraternity.
 
Dr. McNealey is married to Dr. Earnestine Green McNealey, an author; and he has two adult sons.




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