CHICAGO – Chicago State University interim president Dr. Frank Pogue has announced the recent appointment of Sudie Davis as the new athletic director. Prior to his new position, Davis had served as the Associate Athletic Director for Facilities before being named Interim Athletic Director in mid-August.
“It was a very special moment, when I was given the appointment by Dr. Pogue. This is something I envisioned in my younger life. I always wanted a chance to invite the alumni back to assist with mentoring the young student athletes while educating them about the history of Chicago State Athletics,” Davis stated. “I have always wanted a great academic sports program that would make the South Side and the entire Chicagoland area proud. Now, in my older life, I am still full of energy and it seems my chance is here. Anyone that is reading this story, don't say 'Aaah, that's nice', come over and get involved! We have the welcome mat out and all are welcome. Don't say you were not invited.”
A native of Chicago, Davis spent nearly 30 years as head coach of the school's men's & women's cross country/track and field programs. He has also served as the Interim Athletic Director, Athletic Trainer, an instructor in the Physical Education department, coach of the CSU Fencing Club, Intramural Director, supervisor of the school's swimming pool, and director of the award-winning National Youth Sports Program (NYSP). Davis guided student-athletes to capture numerous conference/district championship and All-America accolades at both the NCAA Division I and NAIA levels during his coaching tenure.
Davis recruited athletes from around the world as well as the Chicagoland area. Many of his former athletes have set fieldhouse and meet records all around the Midwest and nation. He has coached athletes who have set world records, held Madison Square Garden and Melrose Game records, finished in the top-five at the USA Indoor Championships and eventually competed in the Olympics. Davis has a Chicagoland Indoor Team Championship to his credit as well as many NAIA District 20 team titles and he was a four-time NAIA District 20 Coach of the Year honoree. His Illinois Prairie State Teams had won numerous state titles and set many records while he was the Windy City coach. His track club was a team to be reckoned with during the 1980's and 1990's.
Davis earned his bachelor's degree in health, physical education and recreation along with his master's degree in physical education from Chicago State.
He is married to the former Marva Felder and is the father of five children: Arnelle (39), Sudie III (29), Miles (18), Mariel (18) and Taia (6).
Chicago State University is a 14-sport NCAA Division I-affiliated institution that is a member of the Great West Conference. The school offers volleyball, baseball, men's and women's basketball, men's and women's cross country, men's and women's tennis, and men's and women's indoor & outdoor track.
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Transactions: Chicago State University appoints Sudie Davis as athletic director
