Alumni Spotlight - Dwight Sims ’94
Jun 7, 2019 8:30 AM
eNews Alumni Spotlight highlights alumni who give back to Frostburg in some way – time, talent, treasure or any combination. This edition of eNews will feature Dwight Sims ’94.
Current City: New Braunfels, TX
Current Occupation: VP of Prisons/Wellpath
Why do you love FSU?
Simply put, Frostburg State represents family. As years pass, just like families, Frostburg continues to grow and the ties with Frostburg have remained strong. My best and closest friends all originated in Frostburg, and these relationships continue today even though I now reside in Texas. Because of Living in Texas, visits to Frostburg are even more special. It’s just like coming home to visit family.
Why do you come back to FSU?
Frostburg gave me lifelong friendships and an education that has led to a life full of opportunity. Trips back to Frostburg are special, since it is not a quick trip up the interstate for me. I love talking with my teammates, former coaches, the current coaches and the new incoming classes. I really like Coach (DeLane) Fitzgerald’s emphasis on alumni involvement to teach the history of the program and the impact of being a Bobcat after FSU. I am amazed with each trip, as the University continues to grow and implement new innovations. I take great pride when walking my family through the campus.
What do you do for fun?
Being blessed to be the father of three fantastic daughters (Kyndall, Courtney and Autumn), they keep me pretty busy. When not spending time with them, Crystal, my wife, tolerates my hunting/fishing habits.
Tell us about a class or activity at FSU that has had a surprising effect on your life.
Athletically, being part of the FSU football team from ’91-’94 carries a lifetime of lessons taught to me by my teammates and coaches, such as Mike McGlinchey, Rubin Stevenson and Larry Williams. They demanded excellence in all that we did. A phrase that has always stuck with me has been “practice hard and game day is easy.” Throughout my career in corrections, this has been a mantra I have repeated constantly to my staff. If we work hard every day, when emergencies or audits arrive, it is simply another day because we have practiced daily for these situations.
Academically, I recall sitting in Sen. (John) Bambacus’ political science classes and enjoying the discussions on current affairs. Being a former state senator, he was able to provide real-world insight into the political affairs at the time and really challenged us to think for ourselves. As a college student, learning to think for yourself and not simply taking the word or opinions of others are important. He challenged us to gather our own facts and look at issues from multiple views before making a decision. This has been beneficial throughout my professional career.
Favorite TV show?
If I were to pick a favorite TV show, it would have to be The Goldbergs, as it is an excellent representation of growing up in the ’80s.
What cause is dear to your heart?
I am a big supporter of the Lone Survivor Foundation and the Chris Kyle Foundation, as these organizations are committed to serving our veterans. Growing up in a military family, I have always had great respect for the sacrifices this volunteer force makes for the civilian population. After all, if it weren’t for these brave men and women and their choice to serve our nation, life as we know it today would be very different. I feel that too many of us have forgotten the true meaning and history of holidays such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day.
Favorite comfort food:
You can never go wrong with a good bowl of chili on a nasty day!
Favorite vacation spot:
It would most definitely be Jamaica. This is where I spent my honeymoon and then had a great reunion trip with my lifelong Frostburg friends several years later. Jamaica will always remind me of the importance of family, friends and the joy they bring to life.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I would like to try my hand at coaching, because you challenge the athletes daily to improve themselves. The lessons learned in any sport carry over to daily life, as you learn about perseverance, success, failure, team work, problem-solving, etc., all of which are needed to be successful. Coaches and teachers have a tremendous influence in our lives, and I think it would very rewarding. If not a coach, a hunting guide would be pretty darn cool, too!
What person, living or dead, would you most like to have dinner with?
Throughout my life, I have been blessed to have some incredible influences who have passed on, such as Mike McGlinchey, Larry Williams, David Sanford (former FSU Dean), but my selection is easy ... my mother. My mom passed away five years after I graduated from Frostburg and did not have the chance to know how great the woman I married is or get to know how special her granddaughters are.
Tell us about a person or persons from FSU who had an impact on your life.
The ’93 football team will always hold a special place in my heart. The guys on this team battled through the death of Larry Williams and became the first football team to go to the NCAA playoffs. Folks like Tim Feldman, Josh Arneson, Bryan Solesha, Ryan Harry, Scott Willet, Russell Williams, Darrius Smith, A.J. Bell, Pat Pokorny, Ricky Green, John McKinney, Joe Holland, Dave Krajewski and many others will always hold a special place in my heart. If I were forced to pick one, I would say Michael Arneson (Class of ’94 spring) has had a profound impact on my life. We have been best friends since my freshman year, and he has always been there for me and my family over the past 25+ years. We have been through the good times and tough times together. He and his family were there when my mother and stepfather passed away, my wedding and major events ever since. The distance from Texas and Maryland has not prevented us from talking and texting on a frequent basis. It has been rewarding to watch each other’s children grow up.
