WASHINGTON (August 17, 2026) - The Howard University Athletics program has been one of the hottest in the country, receiving great national exposure, including numerous awards and accolades, ranging from conference players and coaches of the year, NCAA Appearances in various sports and national academic awards.
 
Yet, the one thing has virtually gone unnoticed is the force behind promoting the program's success. Someone has to public the success to the world.
 
That is until now. Derek W. Bryant is now being recognized. For all his dedication, hard work and professionalism promoting Howard athletics, Bryant, who is entering his ninth year as Assistant Athletic Director for Media Relations & Sports Information, has been voted the HBCU Sports SID (Sports Information Director) of the Year.
 
Go to the Howard Athletics website and there is always some news on one of the 21 sports. 
 
In addition to releases and updates, Bryant is also responsible for statistics for the sports, along with coordinating game operations for events in Burr Gymnasium, Burr Pool and Greene Stadium.
 
This happens sometimes when there are as many five different sports competing on the same day. Yet, Bryant has managed to get it done in a professional and timely manner.
 
"Handling multiple sports, including football, requires a tremendous amount of time," acknowledged Chevonne Mansfield, Executive Senior Associate Athletics Director/SWA. "We appreciate the effort he has put into serving our programs."
 
Interestingly, both, Bryant and Mansfield, got their start at UMES (Maryland Eastern Shore) in sports information.
 
A member of CSC (College Sports Communicators), the soft-spoken Bryant expressed his thoughts on the award.
 
"To be recognized among the many athletic communications professionals is truly humbling," noted Bryant in his ninth year at The Hilltop. "I am blessed to receive this award, but in reality, it is team award. That includes the coaches, administrators, support staff and students help."
 
Bryant's honor comes as no surprise to G. Stan Bradley, the former sports information director at UMES, who groomed him as an assistant for four years before Bryant came to Howard in 2017.
 
"It is especially gratifying when you see someone come into a demanding profession and progress," noted Bradley. "He went through the usual growing pains early, but when he realized what it takes to be a professional in such a demanding field, you could see that he was going to be successful. I am so very proud of him. He is truly deserving."
 
Trevin A. Jones has served as the play-by-play announcer for Howard University football and basketball since 2015 and has worked with Bryant since he was named in 2017.
 
"Derek is a true professional and is truly deserving of this honor," said Jones. "It has been a pleasure working with him during this period. He provides our crew with all the things that we need to represent not just Howard University athletes, but to The University as well. He makes our job easier because of his assistance."
 
Bryant took time to elaborate on the contributions of the many talented students and the role that they add to the success.
 
"There is no question that the students play a vital role in our success," pointed Bryant. "They come into the office to volunteer or intern and they conduct themselves as they are professionals. It is amazing what they bring to the table. It is a blessing to have these students."
 
Badi Cross is one of the examples of Bryant's success. Cross graduated in 2024 and was given a number of duties with the various sports' teams at Howard during his undergraduate tenure. Cross had had stints with the Detroit Lions, the New England Patriots last season and he currently with the New York Giants communications department.
 
"Seeing Derek received this honor is especially personal to me," said Cross, a 2024 Howard graduate. "I was trying to find out what I wanted to do in the sports industry and Derek gave me a chance to work in the department and it opened my eyes to all the opportunities in the industry. When you watched how he was able to handle that many sports, then, you realize how deserving he is of this honor."
 
Cross is one of many who have benefited from Bryant's guidance and exposure. But there are some current undergrads who are getting an early start under him that gives them an early edge in a highly competitive industry.
 
Tanbrance Berry is a rising junior at Howard, who has already perfumed numerous duties and responsibilities, including writing stories and assisting in the coordination of events.
 
"Not only does he excel at his role in Howard Athletics, but he also takes time to give students like me hands-on experience and a firsthand look at what it is like to work in the field. The fact that he is always willing to invest in students while also continuing to perform his job at such a high level says a lot about the kind of person and professional he is. He is truly deserving."
 
Bryant took over the athletics communications department after long-time Sports Information Director and Bison Hall of Famer Ed Hill Jr., who retired and served the department in that capacity for 33 years.
 
"Mr. [Ed] Hill mentored some of the brightest minds in the athletic profession," Bryant expressed. "He laid a foundation and I just want to continue to build on it."
 
For more information, visit the Bison Athletics website at www.HUBison.com.