NIAGARA UNIV., N.Y. – Director of Athletics Simon Gray has been appointed Associate Vice President for Athletics, as announced by Niagara University president Rev. James J. Maher, C.M. recently.
"Simon is a nationally and regionally recognized leader in higher education and intercollegiate athletics," said Father Maher. "Through strategic relationship building, he has elevated Niagara athletics through an abiding commitment to academic excellence, student engagement, service to the community, and heightened competitiveness of Niagara's athletics teams."
Gray has been at the helm of the Niagara Department of Athletics since 2014-15 and has maintained a keen focus on the student-athlete experience for nearly 350 student-athletes in NU's 18 Division I sports programs. Gray has built a vision within the department that emphasizes excelling in the classroom, in competition, and in service to the community.
"From my first day on campus, I have felt honored to work alongside colleagues that believe in the power of higher education, service to the community, and the impact that Division I athletics can have on an institution and a region," said Gray. "Our department understands that collaboration is a critical factor in collective success and I am thankful that our student-athletes, coaches, and staff are aligned with our Vincentian mission in achieving that unity for the betterment of Niagara University."
Under Gray's leadership, the Purple Eagles have achieved department records in both Graduation Success Rate (95%) and Academic Progress Rate, as well as a record-setting GPA among the collective student-athlete population. Since Gray joined the Niagara University community, the student-athlete cohort has had greater than a 3.0 GPA each year. In this past season alone, the hockey team set a program record and led the conference with 29 Atlantic Hockey All-Academic honorees, and a total of 186 student-athletes earned All-Academic honors.
Niagara's athletic programs have also had competitive success, with the women's swimming and diving team winning the MAAC Championship for the first time in program history this past season and the department as a whole earning its highest MAAC Commissioner's Cup finish since 2011-12.
During Gray's tenure, 152 student-athletes have earned all-conference honors. The Purple Eagles have had 21 major award winners.
In addition to his work in athletics, Gray is a leader on campus and serves as an engaged member of the President's Cabinet, providing critical insight and thinking to guide the university. Gray has worked collaboratively with faculty and campus administrators to elevate not only athletics, but the university as a whole. He has played a critical role in a number of campus working groups and committees, including the Forward Niagara task force and the Inclusive Excellence climate and intergroup relations subcommittee. His leadership and visionary thinking are also reflected in his department's strategic plan, which aligns with "What Must Be Done," the university's strategic plan.
The Department of Athletics has also set new fundraising records in five of Gray's eight years, and he has managed nearly $5 million in campus and athletics facilities enhancements, including those in the Gallagher Center and Dwyer Arena.
A recognized leader within the athletics field, Simon is currently serving as chair of the NCAA Division I Men's Soccer Committee, and he just completed a year as president of the I-AAA Athletics Directors Association.
