Barbara J. Zimmer

Barbara (Douglas) Zimmer was inducted into the inaugural College of Applied Human Sciences Hall of Fame in the fall of 2025. She was previously inducted into the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences Hall of Fame in 2019.

Zimmer earned her master’s degree in physical education from West Virginia University in 1978. While a student, she became the first female residence hall intramural manager at Boreman Hall, the first female chair of the recreational–intramural committee, and the first full-time coordinator of women’s intramural and co-recreational sports.

She went on to be the first woman to serve as a sports specialist with the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and the Prince George’s County Boys and Girls Clubs, as well as the first female chair of the Maryland Recreation and Parks Association Sports Committee. She also served as commissioner of four sports organizations in the Washington, D.C., area.

Zimmer later became the first woman to serve as a regent for North Carolina State University’s Sports Management School and the first female chair of the CPASS Visiting Committee. She was also executive director of Sport for Understanding, overseeing 30 international and 13 U.S. regional offices, and co-founded the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Volleyball Club.