Virginia State University family has announced that its Associate Vice President of Athletics, Peggy Davis, has passed away, the school said Wednesday.
A graduate of Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas, Davis began her career in collegiate athletics as head coach of the women’s basketball team at her alma mater.
She made her way to Virginia State following a stint at Angelo State University, guiding the Trojans to division titles in 2001 and 2002.
In the latter season, the Trojans claimed their first conference championship in 12 years and were named CIAA Coach of the Year. Virginia State went on to defeat Presbyterian 65-56 to advance past the first round of the Division II women’s basketball tournament for the first time in school history.
In 2003, Davis was hired as Virginia State University’s Director of Athletics, going on to be named CIAA Athletic Director of the Year seven times.
She oversaw the $84 million renovation of Virginia State’s Multipurpose Center, the turf installment of Rogers Stadium, and the highest graduation rate and academic success rate in school history.
Through her guidance, Virginia State Athletics received the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence in 2020.
Davis has also served as the CIAA’s Interim Commissioner, making her the first woman to hold that role for the conference.
“Words cannot fully capture what Mrs. Davis meant to our Athletics Department and the CIAA,” said Virginia State University President Dr. Makola. Abdullah. “She was a beacon of hope, an inspiring leader, and a champion for our student-athletes, always working to ensure their success on the field and after graduation. Her unwavering dedication to the mission of our University, her extraordinary achievements, and her selflessness in always putting others first will never be forgotten.”
