In Memoriam: Peggy Lynn Davis, 1961-2024

Peggy Davis, associate vice president for athletics at Virginia State University, passed away on October 16. She was 62 years old.

In 1997, Davis began her career with Virginia State University as head coach of the women’s basketball team. Seven years later, she was appointed as the the university’s athletic director. She was promoted to associate vice president for athletics in 2019. She also had a stint as interim commissioner of the Central Intercollegiate Athletic Association (CIAA), making her the first woman to hold the position.

Davis was honored several times throughout her career in recognition of her contributions to intercollegiate athletics. She was named the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year seven times. In 2020, Virginia State University received the NCAA Division II Award of Excellence. The following year, Davis was awarded the Minority Opportunities Athletic Association Distinguished Service Award.

Davis received her bachelor’s degree in education from Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas and her master’s degree in education from Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas.