Damon Sims
Vice President
for Student Affairs
Phone: (814) 865-0909
Fax: (814) 863-7188
drs37@sa.psu.edu
Damon Sims began as vice president for student affairs on August 1, 2008 after serving in various administrative and teaching roles at Indiana University since 1982. He holds affiliate associate professor titles in both the Dickinson School of Law and the College of Education at Penn State.
At Indiana University, where Damon received his bachelor's degree in political science and history, as well as his law degree, his titles included Assistant to the Dean of Students (1983-1986), Assistant Dean of Students (1986-1991), Associate Dean of Students and Director of Administrative Services (1991-2000), Assistant Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs and Associate Dean of Students (2000-2006), Associate Vice President for Student Affairs (2006-2007), and Associate Vice Provost for Student Affairs (2007-2008). He held academic appointments as an adjunct Assistant Professor in both the School of Law and the School of Education, where he taught courses focusing on legal issues in higher education.
Damon belongs to various national and regional associations in both student affairs and the law. He has been active in efforts to encourage greater civic engagement and understanding among students; has served as an advocate on behalf of children and victims of abuse; has held executive positions in historical societies, leadership development organizations, and charitable groups; and has served on various local, regional, and state boards and commissions. He has tutored adult learners, managed construction projects for Habitat for Humanity, and helped found a regional theater. He consults with colleges and universities about legal issues affecting students and frequently speaks on related topics at professional conferences.
Damon is a licensed attorney. He and Suzette share their home with two sons, Ethan, who is six, and Nathaniel, who is four. Their first son, Matthew, died in infancy. An annual lecture series—the Matthew Vandivier Sims Memorial Lecture—produced in conjunction with Indiana University's Poynter Center on the Study of Ethics and American Institutions, attracts leading thinkers on issues of medical and legal ethics, with particular attention to the difficult questions involved in end-of-life care.
Damon enjoys reading, writing, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, biking, cooking, woodworking, golf, tennis, racquetball, theater, music, and travel. He does not, however, enjoy enough time to do all those things as often as he would like. He chooses instead to spend the free time he has with his wife and sons, all of whom he enjoys very much.