Houston Davis Named Interim President of Kennesaw State University
Atlanta — May 26, 2016
Dr. Houston Davis
University System of Georgia Chancellor Hank Huckaby has named Dr. Houston Davis interim president of Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Georgia.
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 the 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.
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