CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Bowie State University's Tristian "TJ" Gunter has been named the 2025-26 John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year by the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) during the CIAA Spring Administrators Awards celebration on Tuesday. Gunter earns the honor in his first year at and becomes one of the youngest recipients of the prestigious award. His predecessor Dr. Jolisa Williams won the award in 2023-24.

The SID of the Year Award is named after veteran public relations and sports information practitioner John Holley. A native of Baltimore, Maryland, Holley directed the public information, publications and sports information programs at Albany (Ga.) State College for 14 years. In addition, he held public relations posts at Morgan State University, Mansfield (Pa.) University and Lincoln (Mo.) University. Holley also served as sports information director at Norfolk State University and Morehead (Ky.) State University.

"I'm extremely honored and grateful to receive this award from my colleagues across the CIAA," said Gunter. "This recognition would not be possible without the leadership and support of Dr. Jolisa Williams, the late Clyde Doughty, Jr., our incredible coaches, student-athletes and the entire Bowie State Athletics staff. I also want to thank our student media interns who continue to show up every day ready to learn, create and elevate the Bowie State brand. This award is truly a reflection of our collective work and commitment to excellence."

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Gunter currently serves as the Media Relations Coordinator for Bowie State Athletics, where he oversees communications and media operations for all 14 NCAA Division II varsity programs. In his role, Gunter manages the department's official athletics website, produces press releases and feature stories, coordinates game day media operations and assists in the growth of Bowie State Athletics' digital and social media presence.

Since arriving at Bowie State in January 2025, Gunter has played a key role in expanding the department's storytelling efforts through creative content, live event coverage and student-athlete promotion. He also supervises and mentors more than 20 student interns aspiring to work in the sports industry while supporting live streaming, photography, graphic design and statistical operations for home contests.

Prior to Bowie State, Gunter served as a student assistant within the athletics communications department at Bluefield State University, where he contributed to media relations, game operations and promotional strategies for the department. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Bluefield State in December 2024.

For the most up-to-date information on Bowie State Athletics and its 14 varsity sport programs, visit bsubulldogs.com.