Virginia State University community is in mourning following the passing of Associate Vice President of Athletics, Mrs. Peggy Davis early this morning.
For nearly 30 years, Davis was a pillar of VSU athletics. She helped the department garnish national recognition in 2020, receiving the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence.
According to an email from President Makola Abdullah, Mrs. Davis was awarded the MOAA Distinguished Service Award for her commitment to diversity and inclusion in intercollegiate athletics in 2021. She was named CIAA Athletic Director of the Year seven times and became the first woman to serve as Interim Commissioner of the CIAA.
Under her leadership, the Trojans have twenty NCAA Division II tournament appearances, twenty-six CIAA Championship titles, twenty CIAA Divisional titles, and forty-four Coach of the Year honors.
Students and alumni alike have expressed their grief on social media, posting photos and sharing stories of how Mrs. Davis inspired them throughout their college experience.
As the university navigates this profound loss, many are reflecting on the legacy Mrs. Peggy Davis leaves behind—a legacy of compassion and a commitment to fostering the next generation of athletes at VSU.
“Words cannot fully capture what Mrs. Davis meant to our Athletics Department and the CIAA. She was a beacon of hope, an inspiring leader, and a champion for our student-athletes, always working to ensure their success both 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,” President Abdullah said in a post on Instagram.
If any students or faculty are having a tough time dealing with this loss, please reach out to counselors and mental health services in Memorial Hall or call 804-524-5939 or 804-524-5411 for the 24 hour helpline.
Update published on Monday, October 21 at 1:00 p.m.:
Funeral services for Mrs. Davis will take place Friday, October 25, at 11:00 AM CDT at Celebration Community Church, in Bastrop, Texas. VSU will have a memorial service on campus on Friday, November 8. More information to come.
