Gabriel Punzalan joined the Norfolk State Athletics staff prior to the 2025-26 academic year as the department's Learning Specialist, bringing nearly two decades of experience in student-athlete academic support, leadership development, and student success.
In his role, Punzalan designs and implements learning strategies that promote academic success while providing individualized support for student-athletes. He develops NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) grant initiatives focused on leadership and career development, supports the department's CLEAR Leadership Academy, and facilitates engagement opportunities through the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC).
Prior to Norfolk State, Punzalan served as Assistant Athletics Director for Academics and Student-Athlete Support at Fairleigh Dickinson University, overseeing academic performance and development for more than 350 student-athletes. He also served as the department's NCAA Diversity and Inclusion Designee, SAAC moderator, and created student-athlete leadership and life skills programming.
His previous experience includes academic support roles at George Mason, Tennessee State, the University of Cincinnati, Eastern Illinois, and Fordham, where he developed a reputation for improving academic performance, strengthening APR initiatives, securing grant funding, and enhancing the overall student-athlete experience.
An active member of the National Association for Academic Advisors and Student Development Professionals for Athletics (N4A), Punzalan has served as Chair of the organization's Student-Athlete Development and Well-Being Committee and has earned national recognition for his work in student-athlete support and leadership development.
Punzalan earned a Master of Education in Sports Administration from Belmont University and a Bachelor of Arts from Fordham University.
