AT HOME WITH GU’S FIRST COUPLE

“I’m more of an acquired taste, but everybody loves Phil,” jokes Suzanne Davis. The pair share a 20-year marriage, two adopted daughters (twins, now grown), and a life together following God’s call to encourage others toward Jesus Christ. Here’s a snapshot of GU’s first couple.

A FAMILY AFFAIR

“Home” for Suzanne incudes horses. She grew up riding horses and worked at a boarding and training facility throughout college. For GU’s equestrian president, prayer and worship often occur on horseback. Phil may fit so easily into the GU picture because he’s done it a long time. His parents served on faculty, and his dad coached track. Phil attended Greenville schools

GU President Suzanne Davis has established a three-year plan to increase the value of learning experiences for students. Three paths define this work: 1. IMMERSE students more deeply in experiences that blend learning with doing.

This means blending learning with doing in every academic program. 2. INNOVATE to create new opportunities that help students blend learning with doing.

This means building community partnerships that open doors to new venues where students can learn and grow.

and graduated from GU in 1996. The Davis’ daughters are GU alumni, too.

ENDURING GU CONNECTION

As a new college graduate, Phil worked in environmental biology with the Zahniser Institute, a GU partner. Later, when he transitioned into youth ministry, he stayed connected to campus with young people in tow for GU’s AgapeFest. Suzanne credits GU for connecting her to important lessons like “All truth is God’s truth,” and “When I put God in the center of my life, my world gets bigger.”

SCORE!

Ice hockey, football, volleyball—Phil just loves sports. In 2016, he returned to coach Panther volleyball. More recently, he helps coach Lady Panther volleyball. An outside hitter in her Lady Panther volleyball days, Suzanne captained the team and earned MVP in her senior year. She also ran sprints in track and threw the javelin.

GOING FOR THE ASSIST

“I’m a helper by nature,” says Phil. His gifts and skills include mentoring and spiritual development. Frequent beneficiaries of Phil’s helping hand include GU students in chapel and vespers services, and the regional Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA). “I want to do things that bring value to students,” says Suzanne. “I want to create a place where we care for them and where they’re well connected to the next phase of life.”

3. INTERCONNECT

communities and opportunities near and far. This means expanding our welcome to people, ideas, and experiences.

When we do this, we will expand growth and career opportunities for students. Greenville University empowers students for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education.

TRAILBLAZER MoriahSummers ‘23

BRAND NEW

Moriah’s special project this fall has “new” written all over it—the launch of new programming associated with GU’s new donor-funded Women in Leadership Scholarship awarded to select newcomers to GU. President Suzanne Davis tapped Moriah Summers ’23 and fellow student Jenna Haselhorst ’23 to help engage the awardees in experiences that cultivate growth in leadership. Moriah and Jenna, both recipients of the donor-funded Panther Preferred Scholarship, enthusiastically embraced this novel challenge to serve their peers.

Thank you for giving.