RICHMOND, VA. (May 13, 2025) - The Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) held its annual Spring General Assembly meeting and end-of-year awards reception in Richmond, VA. The conference office announced its highest administrative and team awards at the reception on Tuesday afternoon.
Nia Gibson of Fayetteville State University was selected as the 2024-2025 CIAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year while Jared Achuff of Bowie State University was voted as the CIAA Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year. At the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship in May 2025, Gibson secured impressive placements, including 2nd in the 3000 meters and 4th in the 1500 meters. Achuff earned All-Conference honors as an offensive lineman while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA. As a graduate senior captain and key leader of the Bulldogs football team, he anchored an offensive line that helped generate 1,863 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season.
Fayetteville State University's Anthony Bennett was named CIAA Athletic Director of the Year. Under AD Bennett’s direction, the FSU led the CIAA in conference championship victories, including women’s cross country, indoor track & field, women’s basketball, and bowling. They also had the men’s basketball program fall one game short of a title, serving as the runners-up. Academically, they had two teams win the Team GPA award, including bowling (3.623) and softball 3.655.
Winston-Salem State University’s Etienne Thomas received the Jeanette Lee Athletic Administrator of the Year award, which is given to an administrator within the membership at the recommendation of the CIAA Commissioner for servant leadership and embodies the commitment exemplified by Lee, former CIAA Coach and Athletic Administrator.
Adrian Ferguson of Fayetteville State University was named CIAA John Holley Sports Information Director (SID) of the Year. Adrian Ferguson's leadership and forward-thinking approach have transformed Fayetteville State Athletics Communications and Media into one of the premiere Athletics Departments in the CIAA. His extensive knowledge and respected leadership are sought after by peers both within and outside the CIAA conference. Adrian played a pivotal role in the purchase and installation of a new media board at Capel Arena, enhancing the visual experience for fans and athletes alike. His dedication to producing quality content for media boards, social media, and sports networks has significantly elevated the department's profile. Under Adrian's guidance, the atmosphere and excitement surrounding volleyball, basketball, and football games have been immensely improved. His introduction of key highlight videos and light/smoke shows for Bronco team introductions has created an electrifying environment that energizes both players and fans. With 30 years of experience in Sports Information, his expertise and dedication are unparalleled. His contributions have not only enhanced Fayetteville State University's Athletics Communications but have also set a standard of excellence within the CIAA and beyond.
The CIAA introduced the Faculty Athletics Representative (FAR) and Compliance Director of the Year to this year's awards recipients. The FAR of the year is Dr. Cynthia Williams-Brown from Winston-Salem State University, while the Compliance Director of the Year is Virginia State's Felicia Johnson.
LaTaya Hilliard-Gray of Elizabeth City State University was voted by her peers as the CIAA Senior Woman Administrator (SWA) of the Year. Embarking on a journey of continuous growth and excellence, we are thrilled to highlight her strides in the realm of athletics over the past academic year.
Virginia State University won the C.H. Williams Men’s All-Sports Award, while Fayetteville State University secured the Loretta Taylor Women’s All-Sports Award. Both recognitions are annually awarded to CIAA institutions with the leading men's and women's athletic programs, determined by a points system. VSU clinched the 2024-2025 conference championship in men's basketball and men's Cross Country. Meanwhile, FSU's women's teams seized conference crowns in women's cross country, women's indoor track & field, and bowling.
Fayetteville State University athletic department was recognized with the award of Most Positive Game Environment. Selected by members of the CIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), the award is given to the school that exhibits good sportsmanship by student-athletes and coaches during both home and away contests.
For the latest information about the CIAA, visit www.theciaa.com or follow the conference on social media via Facebook (The CIAA), Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports).
About the CIAA
Founded in 1912, the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA) is the first, and longest running, African American athletic conference in the U.S. and one of the most recognized conferences in Division II. The CIAA conducts 14 championships attended by more than 150,000 fans from around the country. The Basketball Tournament has been honored as a 2019 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, the leading publication with the largest circulation of sports event planners and tournament directors in the sports tourism market, for both 2018 and 2019.
Headquartered in Charlotte, North Carolina, the CIAA is governed by the Presidents and Chancellors of its 13 member institutions: Bowie State University, Bluefield State University, Claflin University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Lincoln University of Pennsylvania, Livingstone College, Saint Augustine's University, Shaw University, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. For more information on the CIAA, visit theciaa.com, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram.