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Suzanne Davis officially named 13th president of Greenville University

Published: April 20, 2021

Suzanne Davis officially named 13th president of Greenville University

Greenville University President Suzanne Davis and GU Board of Trustees President Kathleen Turpin

The Greenville University Board of Trustees unanimously elected Dr. Suzanne Allison Davis 00 as the Universitys 13th president and first female president.

Davis has served as acting presidentsince May 2020, afterIvan Filby stepped downas University president.

According to the Board, Davis is the best person to serve as president because she has a vision for GU, she knows how to create and execute strategy, and she has demonstrated a passion to make GU better through her various roles with the University.

As higher education has moved into such a highly tumultuous, precarious, and changing environment, Ive seen Suzanne bring new ideas and solutions time after time, says Kathleen J. Turpin 91, Board of Trustees chair. She has been uniquely gifted by God to not only see opportunities and possibilities many cant see, but to use her connectivity and strategic ideas to bring them to fruition. Her love for Greenville and her willingness to be obedient to the Lords calling has brought her to today. The Lord has called her for such a time as this and I believe, as the next president of Greenville University, she will lead the University well.

Davis graduated from Greenville University (then College) in 2000 with a bachelor of arts in history and political science, and a bachelor of arts in philosophy and religion. She earned her MBA from University of Illinois College of Business and her juris doctorate at University of Illinois College of Law.

She originally planned for a career in law and practiced civil and criminal lawin Tuscola, Illinois, and taught at Eastern Illinois Universitys School of Business from 2005-2012.Teaching business at GU and influencing todays students drew her back to Greenville.

Davis has served the University in many roles including chief of staff,founding dean of the Briner School of Business, vice president for university relations, executive vice president,and, most recently, acting president. As acting president, Davis could move forward strategic initiatives, but was not in a full president position. She now has a contract in place through June 1, 2024.

Davis has aided in the schools successful accreditation effort, leading the financial, operations, and governance portions. Davis led the presidents executive cabinet and managed reorganization of enrollment, marketing, and international affairs at the University. More recently, through an established relationship with the U of I president, she secured GUs current COVID testing program that has put the campus on the map for successfully navigating the pandemic.

Its an honor to serve as president of Greenville University at this time. As an alum, I was highly impacted by Greenville University both professionally and personally, Davis says. I look forward to seeing the institution thrive into the future and make a positive impact on the community we serve. We know students have been empowered for lives of character and service through a transforming Christ-centered education for over 128 years, and we believe that will continue for another 128 and beyond.

An official inauguration ceremony is tentatively scheduled for the fall.

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