Columbus, GA – This year will mark the end of an era at Columbus State University as Head Cheer Coach & Senior Associate Athletic Director Jimbo Davis will retire in May, bringing a stellar 32-year career at the university to a close.
Davis, a two-time Columbus State alumnus who served as CSU's mascot—Cody the Cougar—for three years while an undergraduate student, took over CSU's cheer program in 1994. In a short time, Davis attracted cheer athletes from across the country and developed an elite program, elevating it to one of the top collegiate cheer teams in the nation and winning seven national championships.
Columbus State won its first Peach Belt Conference cheer title in just the fourth year of Davis' tenure and would go on to win a record 24 more titles in conference competition. His cheer squads have won five national titles (2004, 2005, 2008, 2011 and 2014) and had two Coed Partner Stunts National Champions. His teams have been in the top five at College Nationals for the past 25 years and are listed among the nation's Top 50 Collegiate Cheer Programs. Davis also led the CSU's Dance Team to six conference titles.
"Columbus State University has been blessed by Jimbo Davis' leadership over the last 30-plus years," said CSU President Stuart Rayfield. "For many in this community, Jimbo is the face of CSU. I am personally grateful for his service, his commitment to CSU, and his love for all of us. That love has been a key part of making this university the amazing institution that it is. We will certainly miss Jimbo's presence, but his legacy will live forever at CSU. I am excited for him to get some much-deserved rest in retirement, but selfishly, I hate for us to lose him."
In addition to his coaching exploits, Davis has served as senior associate athletic director and the department's liaison to the CSU Athletic Foundation since 2007, and as the Columbus State University Athletic Hall of Fame coordinator since 2008. Concurrently with his CSU roles, he served on the Auburn University Cheer coaching staff for four years, from 2018 to 2021.
Davis was elected to the Chattahoochee Valley Sports Hall of Fame in 2018, named to Who's Who among College Cheerleading Coaches, and has received many other awards and accomplishments during his tenure, all while serving on many community and civic boards throughout the region. That includes the Georgia High School Cheerleading, which he served for 25 years in several roles, including helping to plan its state championship competition. He also directed CSU summer camps for over 20 years and many other CSU programs, and has served as a judge for local, state and national cheer competitions.
"It's hard to put into words the impact Jimbo has had on Columbus State Athletics over the past three decades," said Justin Hay, director of athletics. "Even in my short time here, it is evident that his love for CSU and his unwavering commitment to our student-athletes have been instrumental in our department's success. Jimbo's influence extends far beyond our campus and deep into the Columbus community. If you want to understand his impact, simply go to lunch with him and watch how many people stop to say hello—or listen to his former cheerleaders praise the impact he has had on their lives. That's the kind of relationships he's built and the legacy he leaves behind. Both CSU and I are sincerely grateful for his years of dedication and wish him nothing but the best as he enters a well-deserved retirement."
"Jimbo's legacy at Columbus State extends well beyond the trophies and championships his teams have won," said Courtney Wilson, president of the CSU Athletic Fund Board. "As a very proud former cheerleader and member of the CSU community, I have seen firsthand how his leadership, loyalty and love for this institution have helped define the spirit of our campus. It would be impossible for me to fully articulate the depth of Jimbo's impact on my life, and I know so many other current and former CSU student-athletes feel the same way."
Davis looks forward to the next chapter of his life, relaxing, playing more golf, fishing, boating, and new adventures.
Columbus State Athletics plans to honor Davis at the final regular-season basketball game on March 1 and invites all Cheer alumni, community members, and friends to help celebrate his contributions to the university. More information will be posted on the CSU Athletic Department's social media channels soon.
Below are what others are saying about the legacy and impact of Jimbo Davis:
"Jimbo Davis: When I hear this man's name called, I think of greatness, commitment, success, and someone who bleeds red, white and blue. My only comparison from my years at CSU would be Herbert Greene, which in turn says it all."
- Jay Sparks, former Columbus State University Director of Athletics
"Jimbo Davis has been a force at Columbus State University for over 30 years, serving in countless roles with unwavering passion for the Cougars. He has profoundly impacted thousands of student-athletes, staff and faculty, always delivering excellence with first-class results. His unmatched cheerleading coaching record includes numerous championships, but his greatest legacy is the deep love he has shown his 'kids' on the team—and the love they have returned."
- Scott Miller, Voice of the Cougars
"For more than 20 years, Jimbo Davis has been instrumental in recruiting cheerleading, dance, and other major events that have generated significant economic impact for our community. His hard work and dedication to CSU and the region are truly unparalleled. A committed team player, Jimbo consistently put the needs of others before his own and served as a trusted conduit for so many. He has always been the first to offer guidance, support, and leadership. Wishing Jimbo a well-deserved and overdue incredible retirement! You are loved my friend!"
- Merri Sherman, former director of the Columbus Sports Council