HACKENSACK, N.J. - FDU Director of Athletics Bradford Hurlbut announced Monday the hiring of Gabriel Punzalan as the Knights' Assistant Athletic Director for Academics and Student-Athlete Support Services. Punzalan begins his new role on August 30.

Arriving on the Hackensack by way of George Mason (NCAA Division I - A-10), Punzalan served as the Patriots' Intercollegiate Athletics Academic Coordinator since September 2021, advising approximately 100 student-athletes across numerous varsity teams. In his position at George Mason, Punzalan served as Student-Athlete Advisory Council (SAAC) moderator, supporting the board pertaining to student-athlete-driven initiatives. 

Punzalan was also a member of the Patriots' Athletic Department Diversity and Inclusion Group, as well as the Academic Progress Rate (APR) strategy team.

"We are thrilled to welcome Gabe to the FDU Family," said Hurlbut. "He brings with him a tremendous wealth of experience that will immediately impact our student-athletes in the academic and social aspects of their development at FDU. Gabe is a high-energy well-respected professional who breathes positivity. Let's all welcome back home this native New Yorker!"

Prior to beginning at George Mason, Punzalan spent two stints at Tennessee State (NCAA Division I - Ohio Valley) in Nashville as an academic coordinator/counselor for student-athletes.

He also spent time at Cincinnati (NCAA Division I - The American), Eastern Illinois (NCAA Division I - Ohio Valley) and Fordham (NCAA Division I - A-10).

A 2002 graduate of Fordham with a Bachelor of Arts degree in French Languages and Literatures, Punzalan - a New York native - earned his Master's of Education in Sports Administration in 2004 at Belmont.

"I am truly honored to be given this opportunity to serve an exemplary group of student-athletes and the FDU Knights community," remarked Punzalan. "FDU Athletics has definitely shown its growth over the past few years in athletics with first tournament wins and the NCAA AASP grant. I can truly see the commitment the whole athletic department staff has to our student-athletes and look forward to sharing and showcasing that commitment.  I also would like to thank all of the amazing student-athletes and colleagues that taught me so much at George Mason, Tennessee State, Cincinnati, Eastern Illinois and Fordham.  I wouldn't have the chance to serve FDU in this role for student-athletes and staff without these lessons.  I am honored to have been a small part of their stories and achievements and I look forward to hearing and sharing more of those stories here. "

Under his tutelage, Tennessee State became an N4A Nationally Certified Program in 2010, earned the N4A Model Practices Award two years later in 2012 and the NACDA/FCS ADA Best Improved Single Year APR Award for Football that same year.