A HIGHER CALLING

Seeing students succeed is what it’s all about for new Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Lowell Davis.

by Venita Jenkins

When Vice Chancellor Lowell Davis charted his course for his future career in higher education, he did so with the mission to give back and make a difference in students’ lives. It was a seed that his family of educators planted.

“I had an opportunity to watch my mother, who was a K-12 educator for years, commit her life to help students,” said Davis. “She would not only give her time, but she would give her resources to ensure that anyone she came in contact with would be successful.” Davis followed in his mother’s footsteps. He recalled aiding students who battled substance use and students who aged out of the foster care system. These students defied all odds by obtaining their degrees.

“This institution is one that is on the move and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to student success,” said Davis. “To be a part of an institution that is moving forward is inspiring and fulfilling.”

“The work that I do is because I love doing it,” said Davis. “Often, I don’t think I’m making a difference or making an impact, but as I reflect back, I am.”

Davis hopes to make an impact on Seahawks in his new role as vice chancellor for student affairs. He took over the helm of UNCW’s Division of Student Affairs in May 2021 following a national search and plans to build on the legacy left by the previous vice chancellor, the late Pat Leonard.

“I did not have an opportunity to meet Pat, but in all that I have read and heard, she was someone who put students first in everything, and I think that’s important,” he said. “I have a ‘Hopes and Expectations’ document, and it starts with ‘Keep students and their needs as our top priority, always.’ That was true for Pat; she wanted to ensure that everyone at UNCW understood why we are here.”

Davis has spent the first few months at UNCW becoming familiar with the campus and with the community. In June, he began hosting “Vice Chancellor’s Open Office Hour,” an opportunity for individuals to share ideas and perspectives on the topics that concern the division. In between meetings with students, faculty and staff, Davis is making plans to develop a program to support students who are homeless or wards of the state, who have aged out of foster care, or who are emancipated from their parents. “Statistics tell us that less than six percent of the students in those categories graduate from college,” he said. “I know that these students are at UNCW, and I plan to establish a program to support them and ensure that they matriculate to graduation.” For years, Davis observed UNCW’s upward trajectory from a distance. He watched as it grew from a regional university to a nationally ranked “Doctoral University: High Research Activity” institution. His voice filled with excitement as he talked about joining the university and the contributions he hopes to make. “This institution is one that is on the move and has been nationally recognized for its commitment to student success,” said Davis. “To be a part of an institution that is moving forward is inspiring and fulfilling.”

Getting to know Lowell Davis

Hometown:

Dallas, TX

Education:

Indiana University

Ph.D. in higher education administration and student affairs

Hampton University (VA)

M.A. in counseling and a B.A. in English arts/secondary education

Previous posts:

University of Alabama Indiana University Hampton University Western Carolina University

Favorite book:

Beloved by Toni Morrison