Tristian “TJ” Gunter serves as the Assistant Athletic Director for Communications at Winston-Salem State University, bringing experience in athletic communications, media relations, digital content, statistics and game-day operations to the Rams. Gunter was named the 2025-26 CIAA Sports Information Director of the Year, becoming one of the youngest recipients of the conference’s annual honor.
Before joining WSSU, Gunter served as the Media Relations Coordinator at Bowie State University, where he was the primary media contact for 13 NCAA Division II sports. In that role, he oversaw athletic communications efforts including website content, press releases, social media, statistics, live-event coverage and game-day media operations.
Gunter began his athletic communications career at Bluefield State University, where he served as a Sports Information Director student assistant while competing as a football student-athlete. He was a two-time football team captain, All-CIAA selection and Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) president. He also served as CIAA Northern Division SAAC vice president, gaining leadership experience both on the field and within the conference.
A Detroit, Michigan, native, Gunter earned his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Entrepreneurship from Bluefield State University in December 2024. He currently serves as vice president of the CIAA Sports Information Directors Association.
Gunter is passionate about storytelling, student-athlete promotion, digital media and advancing the visibility of HBCU athletics. In his role at WSSU, he oversees the university’s athletic communications efforts and works to enhance the Rams’ brand, media presence and overall student-athlete experience.
Outside of athletics, Gunter is the proud father of his son, Jesiah Gunter.
