Virginia State University and Fayetteville State University led the way in the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association’s (CIAA) 2024-2025 awards, announced during the conference’s Spring General Assembly and end-of-year reception held Tuesday in Richmond.

  

Virginia State captured the C.H. Williams Men’s All-Sports Award after winning conference championships in men’s basketball and men’s cross country. Fayetteville State earned the Loretta Taylor Women’s All-Sports Award, highlighted by titles in women’s cross country, women’s indoor track and field, and bowling.

At the awards reception, Nia Gibson of Fayetteville State was named the CIAA Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year, thanks in part to her strong performances at the CIAA Outdoor Track and Field Championship, including second place in the 3,000 meters and fourth in the 1,500 meters.

Jared Achuff of Bowie State earned the Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year honor, maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA while serving as a senior captain on an offensive line that helped produce 1,863 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns this season.

Fayetteville State’s Anthony Bennett was recognized as CIAA Athletic Director of the Year, leading FSU to multiple conference championships in women’s cross country, indoor track and field, women’s basketball, and bowling. FSU’s bowling and softball teams also won the Team GPA awards, with averages above 3.6.

Other honorees included Winston-Salem State’s Etienne Thomas, who received the Jeanette Lee Athletic Administrator of the Year award for outstanding servant leadership. Fayetteville State’s Adrian Ferguson was named CIAA John Holley Sports Information Director of the Year for elevating the department’s media presence and fan experience.

New this year were awards for Faculty Athletics Representative and Compliance Director of the Year, going to Dr. Cynthia Williams-Brown of Winston-Salem State and Felicia Johnson of Virginia State, respectively.

Elizabeth City State’s LaTaya Hilliard-Gray was voted Senior Woman Administrator of the Year by her peers, recognized for her leadership and growth in athletics.

Fayetteville State also earned the Most Positive Game Environment award, voted by the CIAA Student-Athlete Advisory Committee for exemplary sportsmanship by players and coaches.

For more information, visit [www.theciaa.com](http://www.theciaa.com) or follow the CIAA on Facebook, Twitter (@CIAAForLife), and Instagram (@CIAASports).