FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (Feb. 4, 2025) – The Northern Arizona University athletic department is proud to announce the largest single gift commitment in NAU Athletics history, a three-million-dollar donation from Mike Sims and Dr. Patricia Treharne towards the Sims-Treharne-Collaborative Research Lab.
"NAU Athletics holds a special place in our hearts, and we believe in the power of sports and education to shape future leaders. Through our support of the Sims-Treharne Collaborative Research Lab at the Student-Athlete High Performance Center, we're proud to enhance research in sports science, biomechanics, recovery, and nutrition," Sims and Dr. Treharne said in a joint statement. "This work will help NAU student-athletes optimize performance, prevent injuries, and prioritize long-term health. We're excited to be part of this journey and look forward to its lasting impact on NAU Athletics."
The three-million-dollar commitment supports several areas, including the Sims Treharne-Collaborative Research Lab inside the Student-Athlete High Performance Center. The space opened in April of 2022, and has been home to the research and study of Northern Arizona student-athletes to be pioneers in injury reduction, training and recovery at altitude, and the effects of sleep and stress. The space allows for data collection and observation that furthers research and analysis objects to produce published findings in partnership with the College of Health and Human Services.
The gift also includes a research endowed scholarship that supports a graduate assistant working within the Sims-Treharne Collaborative Research Lab in the Student-Athlete High Performance Center. The funding of the scholarship will assist the selected student in the financial burdens that come with pursuing a degree, allowing the student to focus on growth and career goals.
"Mike and Trish have continuously demonstrated a steadfast belief in the transformative power of higher education and college athletics. This commitment provides a legacy opportunity for NAU Athletics to strengthen our dedication to the health and wellness of current and future student-athletes through science. We truly appreciate and value their continued support," added Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics,
Mike Marlow.
Both the lab and the endowed scholarship provide the opportunity to put Northern Arizona on the map nationally when it comes to producing research and the studies that will set a standard for higher education research.
