Danville, Va. (WDBJ) – Charles Somerville Harris, 71, died Wednesday, according to a statement from Averett University.
Harris built a storied career with the school under several roles over two decades. Harris is the director of athletics, vice president of student services, and executive vice president.
He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mass Media Arts from Hampton University. Harris was from Mecklenburg Co.
and lived in Greensboro with his wife. Averett University announced in 2016 that an athletic field house would be named in his honor.
Some of his other achievements and legacies are as follows -1979: First African-American Director of Athletics at an Ivy League school (University of Pennsylvania)
-1985: First African-American Director of Athletics at a Pac-10 school (Arizona State University) -First in the USA South Athletic Conference African-American Athletics Director.
