Davis said the opportunity to work with students of color and
marginalized students and help them become more successful drew her to
the position.
"The social justice centers make a difference in the lives of
our marginalized students by creating a space for them to thrive
in," she said. "Making sure that the spaces we are creating
on campus for our diverse student body are inclusive and equitable
will remain of utmost importance to me."
Truss said Davis stood out among applicants, in part, because of her
experience as a faculty member and her commitment to serve on various
campus committees and task forces dedicated to diversity, equity and
inclusion. He said Davis has proven herself ready and willing to
advocate for all students.
Since 2021, Davis has been a Presidential Fellow for Inclusion and
Equity. She also serves as an Inclusion and Equity Institute
consultant and facilitator, Network of Advisors on Racial Equity
co-lead, and as a member of University Academic Senate and other committees.
"I'm so glad Dr. Davis will join our division in this new role;
her lived experiences will strengthen the leadership in the division
immediately," Truss said. "This position fits her skills so
well, providing leadership to the social justice centers that do so
much for our students in terms of retention and helping them to find a
community on campus."
Davis is a triple graduate of Western Michigan University, earning a
bachelor's degree in health education, master's degree in family and
consumer sciences and a doctoral degree in educational leadership,
higher education. Davis serves as a vice chair for NCORE (National
Conference on Race and Ethnicity in American Higher Education) and as
a board member for Catherine’s Health Center, as well as the
Comprehensive Therapy Center.
Truss thanked V'Lecea Hunter, senior director of Diverse Populations
and Retention Initiatives, for chairing the search committee and
Jessica Jennrich, director of the Center for Women and Gender Equity,
for serving as interim assistant vice president of the Social Justice
Centers and director of OMA.
