Name: Erik Simpson
Hometown: Dalton
Degrees earned: B.S. Business Administration
What is your job title? Assistant Athletic Director
How long have you been at Dalton State? Three years as employee, two as intern
Why did you choose to work at Dalton State? I wanted to continue to help build something special at Dalton State.
What does it mean to you to be part of the Roadrunner Nation? It means the world. I never really understood why alumni gave back to their school or the pride they took in it. The hard work that I put in to earn my degree made me understand and appreciate what it means to be alumnus.
What do you like best about being at Dalton State? I get to work and learn in an environment that is healthy and vibrant.
What is your best memory so far as part of the Roadrunner Nation? The celebration after winning the 2015 National Championship. A lot went on behind the scenes with getting that ready in a very short period of time, but it was truly worth every minute.
Where is your favorite place on campus? The Ottinger Athletic Center. We have very large windows and the views from the woods are amazing whether it’s raining, snowing, or clear. There is also a fair amount of wildlife that hang out around our building. It’s not uncommon to see deer or chipmunks running around behind the building.
What is your favorite part about your job? Getting to work in a field that I absolutely love.
Favorite comfort food? A bacon cheeseburger
Favorite line from a movie? “You’re killing me, Smalls!”-Hamilton “The Great Hambino” Porter, The Sandlot
What do you feel most proud of? Graduating from college
What is a skill you’d like to learn and why? I would love to master a few foreign languages. I have always thought it would be fun to learn many.
What cheers you up? My children
What is your favorite book? “The Greatest Game Ever Played” by Mark Frost
Who would play you in the movie version of your life? Zach Galifianakis is what I’ve been told, but I would argue Gerard Butler from “300.”
If you could go back in history, who would you like to meet? I don’t know if I would want to meet anyone specifically. I would say a day and that would be Nov. 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas. Would go back often to figure out what really went down that day.
Where is your favorite place to eat? Outback
What did you want to be when you were a kid? Architectural Engineer
As a Roadrunner, how do you Run Boldly? I want our athletic department to be the best, most innovative athletic department in the NAIA. From administration and communications to event management and on the field of play, I want us to strive for excellence in every single endeavor. Personally, I want to be able to say, I gave it my all to being able to achieve that goal. Run Boldly = Striving for excellence and innovation.