Andrew "Drew" Simmons

Throughout his professional life at Austin Peay, Drew served as a teacher, a coach and a mentor to numerous students, a trusted colleague and friend to many staff and faculty, and an excellent role model for APSU students and local youngsters. He had a deep caring for others, a never-ending positive attitude and approach to his work, boundless energy and idealism, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of people he touched.

"Drew" Simmons served as the Director of Intramural Recreation from November of 1983 until his untimely death on November 17, 1999.  During his tenure in this role, Drew directed a program of competitive intramural activities, open recreation services, and numerous sports tournaments for the Austin Peay State University community.  As with all administrative positions, additional duties included serving on many University and Divisional committees, and contributing to the success of the University's FOCUS group, a personal and leadership development program for African American students, as a presenter and leader.  Additionally, Drew served as a primary adviser for the local chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.  During the period prior to the building of the local YMCA facility, Drew served as the campus liaison for the University/YMCA relations associated with the YMCA Aquatics Program. 

Perhaps his most significant added role was to develop and direct the National Youth Sports Program (NYSP) on the APSU Campus, through a Grant sponsored by the NCAA.  This program brings more than 250 local youth to the campus each day for a period of five weeks to participate in recreational, educational and developmental programs and experiences.  Several participants later have returned to campus to become successful students.

Drew Simmons earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1977 from Middle Tennessee State University, with a major in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Safety and a minor in Athletic Coaching and Secondary Education.  His Master of Education degree, earned in 1979, also from Middle Tennessee State University included a major in Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Safety, with a minor in Sociology and Safety Education.  He also was a Certified Professional Recreational Sports Specialist through the National Intramural Recreational Sports Association (NIRSA).

Drew's immediate family includes his wife Pearl Simmons, his son Arius Simmons and daughter Tyler Ann Simmons.