Emory & Henry Names New Athletic Director

Sims Moves from One Emory to Another

EMORY, Va. --- A former senior associate director of athletics and recreation for Emory University in Atlanta, Ga., has been chosen to head Emory & Henry College's Athletic Department.

Following a national search, Myra Sims was named athletic director after serving Emory University in various athletic department positions for 23 years. From 1988 to 2003, Sims served as head coach of Emory University's women's basketball team, amassing a total of 204 victories and guiding her team to two national Sweet 16 berths. She also served as the Athletic Department's liaison for major construction projects, including a $15 million expansion of the university's Physical Education Center.

Emory & Henry President Rosalind Reichard expressed confidence that Sims will be a strong advocate for E&H athletic programs. "Myra brings to our program a strong background as a coach and an administrator as well as the skills to continue growing and improving our athletic program."

A native of Hiltons, Va., Sims attended Gate City High School and was on the first team of female athletes to receive basketball scholarships at the University of North Carolina at Asheville. She received a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University in 1981 and served as head volleyball and assistant women's basketball coach after graduation. She also holds a master's degree in recreation administration from Georgia State University.

"I am extremely excited and honored to have been selected as the Director of Athletics at Emory & Henry College," Sims said. "I always envisioned becoming the Director of Athletics at a small school that was located somewhere closer to my family. This position is a perfect fit and I am truly grateful for this opportunity. Emory & Henry College has a long history of academic excellence, a rich tradition of strong athletics, and plays an important role in the educational and cultural development of its region. I look forward to building strong relationships on campus and in the community."

As athletic director of Emory & Henry College, Sims will be responsible for overseeing an athletic department that currently supports 14 intercollegiate teams and is a member of both NCAA Division III and the Old Dominion Athletic Conference.

Her responsibilities include athletic department planning, program development and assessment, budget and resource management, supervision of compliance with NCAA and ODAC rules and regulations, coaching and support staff appointments, professional development, outreach to the local and regional community, fundraising, and recruitment and retention of student athletes.

This release is courtesy of the Emory & Henry College public relations department.