Virginia State University Mourns the Passing of Associate Vice President of Athletics, Peggy Davis

The Virginia State University community is mourning the loss of Associate Vice President of Athletics, Peggy Davis, who passed away, the school announced on Wednesday.

Davis, a graduate of Howard Payne University in Texas, began her career in collegiate athletics as the head coach of the women’s basketball team at her alma mater. She later moved on to Virginia State University after coaching at Angelo State University, where she led the Trojans to division titles in 2001 and 2002.

During her time at Virginia State, Davis made history by guiding the Trojans to their first conference championship in 12 years and securing the title of CIAA Coach of the Year. Under her leadership, the team also achieved their first-ever win in the Division II women’s basketball tournament.

In 2003, Davis was appointed as the Director of Athletics at Virginia State University, where she was recognized as the CIAA Athletic Director of the Year seven times. She played a pivotal role in overseeing major renovations at the university’s Multipurpose Center and Rogers Stadium, as well as achieving the highest graduation and academic success rates in school history.

Davis’s impact extended beyond Virginia State, as she also served as the CIAA’s Interim Commissioner, becoming the first woman to hold that position for the conference.

Virginia State University President Dr. Makola Abdullah expressed his deep sorrow over Davis’s passing, highlighting her exceptional leadership, dedication to student-athletes, and unwavering commitment to the university’s mission. Davis’s legacy as a trailblazer in collegiate athletics and her selfless devotion to others will forever be remembered by the Virginia State community.