The Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference and commissioner Sonja Stills will march on together after Still signed a five-year extension to remain at the helm of the D1 HBCU conference through 2031.
“Commissioner Stills has been a steadfast advocate for our student-athletes, championing excellence not only in competition but also in academics, leadership, and personal development,” said Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, president of Norfolk State University. “Her collaborative approach, strategic vision, and dedication to elevating the MEAC have strengthened our conference and reinforced its proud tradition of excellence. We are grateful for her partnership and look forward to continuing our work together to create transformative opportunities for our students, enhance the national profile of the MEAC, and build on the conference’s remarkable legacy.”
Stills, made history when she assumed the post in January of 2021, becoming the first female commissioner in MEAC and HBCU Division I history.
Under her leadership, the conference has experienced tremendous growth, including expanding the number of championship sports to 16.
The conference has also seen an increase in media exposure and distribution during Stills’ time at the helm, signing long-term deals with ESPN and ESPN events and launching the MEAC network, which enables all conference championships event to be broadcast live.
Still has also given the conference a long-term plan, with student focused initiatives to ensure their health, safety and success, and added new sports such as women’s golf and flag football.
Her influence extends further in college sports as well, as she serves as the FCS Chair for the College Commissioners Association and has worked with the other HBCU conferences and the NCAA to ensure that the voices and needs of student athletes are heard and addressed.
For her efforts, Stills has earned many awards including the 2025 Women Leaders in Sports Nike Executive of the Year and named as one of the 100 Influential Black Women in Sports by Sports Illustrated.
“I am honored by the continued trust and confidence of our Presidents and Chancellors,” said Stills. “Everything we have accomplished reflects the dedication and partnership of our member institutions, coaches, administrators and student-athletes. I look forward to continuing that work as we strengthen the conference, embrace new opportunities, and build a foundation for continued success across the MEAC.”
