CIAA Hall of Fame to Induct S. Dallas Simmons

December 19, 2018

Former Virginia Union University President S. Dallas Simmons will be inducted posthumously in the CIAA Hall of Fame on Friday, March 1, in Charlotte, N.C.

Simmons will be inducted along with Thomasina Cunningham, former track & field athlete at Hampton Institute; Antwain Smith, former basketball standout of St. Paul's College, Eric Moore, long-time sports information guru of the CIAA; John Locket, former St. Augustine's University men's basketball athlete; LTC Robert L. Weeks, Sr. (U.S. Army Retired), former Winston-Salem State University center; and James "Jim" Burch, former basketball official and CIAA Coordinator.

The CIAA recognizes inductees for their excellence in the CIAA, significant contributions in the community, leadership in CIAA sports and commitment to the CIAA mission. The induction ceremony is a part of the ancillary events surrounding 2019 CIAA Men’s and Women’s Basketball Tournament that will be held in Charlotte, North Carolina from February 25 - March 2, 2019. Tickets to attend the breakfast may be purchased online.

Dr. S. Dallas Simmons began his professional career in higher education as the Director of the Computer Center at his alma mater, North Carolina Central State University (NCCU), in 1962. After his tenure as the Director of the Computer Center at Norfolk State University (1964-1966), he returned to NCCU where he held several positions, including Assistant Professor of Administration, Assistant to the Chancellor, and Vice Chancellor of University Relations. Dr. Simmons’ displayed leadership received him an appointment to President Gerald Ford’s White House Advance Team.

In 1981, Dr. Simmons became President of St. Paul’s College where he served until 1985 when he was named President of Virginia Union University (VUU). During his 14-year tenure at VUU, he is credited for outstanding fiscal management and endowment building. Dr. Simmons’ strides initiated VUU’s Criminal Justice Program, restored several campus facilities, and build a new library.

Dr. Simmons earned his undergraduate and master’s degrees at NCCU and a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Duke University. He was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from NCCU and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from VUU. He also served on the boards of North Carolina Central University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University. Dr. Simmons passed away in July of 2014.