Sims-deGraffenried receives a framed print of Founders Hall from ASU President Bob Glenn.

Dr. Sandra Sims deGraffenried was awarded the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus Award at the annual meeting of the ASU Alumni meeting on Friday.

Sims-deGraffenried was recognized as a strong advocate for the university and her love for the institution with alumni, state officials and the community. She earned not only her bachelor’s degree but also her master’s degree from the university in 1970.

She also led a distinguished public career as executive director of the Alabama Association of School Boards. She was known for her hard work and dedication to the issues most important to school boards and the communities they served.

In 2012, she was nominated to serve on the newly created Athens  State University Board of Trustees. Her fellow trustees recognized her hard work and understanding of the education issues and elected her the first chair pro tempore under the new governance.

“Sandra is passionate about Athens State University,“ said Rick Mould, vice president for University Advancement. “She loves this institution and is dedicated to it. We are all proud of her and her accomplishments in serving education. Tonight we recognize her and in this small way say thank you for representing our university so well.”

Athens State President Bob Glenn presented Sims-deGraffenried with a framed proclamation from Alabama Gov. Robert Bentley commending her career in education and her advocacy for the state institution.

Sims-deGraffenried is a native of Danville who currently resides in Orange Beach and Huntsville.