Houston Davis Named Interim President of Kennesaw State University
Houston Davis Named Interim President of Kennesaw State University
KENNESAW, Ga. (May 26, 2016) — University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby has named Dr. Houston Davis interim president of Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Georgia.
President Papp's message regarding interim president announcement
Davis has served as executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer at the University
System of Georgia since May 2012. He will assume his role on July 1 replacing Dr.
Daniel Papp who is retiring as of June 30.
“Kennesaw State is a vital part of the University System and plays a crucial role
in educating students from across the state of Georgia,” said Huckaby. “Sending our
chief academic officer to lead KSU will ensure that it continues to thrive as we plan
the next phase of the new KSU."
“I am honored to serve Kennesaw State,” said Davis. “Students are increasingly turning
to KSU because of its commitment to academic excellence, innovation and global engagement.
We want to build on the excellent foundation that is in place and ensure that momentum
is maintained.”
As executive vice chancellor and chief academic officer, Davis oversees all matters
related to academics and students. He leads the division of academic affairs that
encompasses academic programs and policy, tenure and promotion, faculty development,
intercollegiate athletics, distance education, academic and public libraries, teacher
preparation, accreditation and other areas.
His previous positions have included serving as vice chancellor for academic affairs
for the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education, project director and principal
investigator for the National Educational Needs Index Project, and associate vice
chancellor for academic affairs for the Tennessee Board of Regents.
Davis was also a faculty member and administrator at Austin Peay State University
in Clarksville, Tenn., in addition to positions with the Tennessee Higher Education
Commission and the University of Memphis in Tennessee.
Davis earned a doctor of philosophy in education and human development from Vanderbilt
University in Nashville, Tenn., a master’s degree in education administration from
Tennessee State University in Nashville and a bachelor’s degree in political science
from University of Memphis.
He and his wife, Jenny, have three children and reside in Roswell, Ga.
Information regarding a formal presidential search will be announced at a later date.
A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers close to 200 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 41,000 students. With 11 colleges on two metro Atlanta campuses, Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia and the second-largest university in the state. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the region and from 126 countries across the globe. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 6 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.
