Dr. David Scott Davis, the longest-serving provost in the history of Mercer University, tragically passed away on February 10, 2025. He was 61. A revered academic, leader, and passionate advocate for education, Dr. Davis leaves behind a legacy that will continue to impact Mercer University and beyond for years to come.
A Visionary Leader in Higher Education
Dr. Davis’s career at Mercer University spanned over three decades, shaping the university into the institution it is today. Appointed as provost in January 2012, he held the role for over a decade, becoming one of the most influential figures in Mercer’s academic history. His leadership not only transformed Mercer but also helped solidify its place among the nation’s top institutions.
Under Dr. Davis’s guidance, Mercer University achieved several milestones that advanced its academic standing. These included the attainment of R2 status in the Carnegie Classification, membership in the Georgia Research Alliance, and the establishment of Mercer’s academic health sciences center and the College of Health Professions. One of his most notable accomplishments was the creation of the Mercer Innovation Center, a hub for entrepreneurship, which became integral to the university’s commitment to fostering innovation and business development.
In addition to these institutional achievements, Dr. Davis was a key player in expanding Mercer’s research footprint, helping to double external funding to nearly $50 million. This increase allowed Mercer to support an array of competitive national awards for students, including Fulbright and Goldwater Scholarships. Mercer also earned recognition as a top producer of Gilman Scholars during Dr. Davis’s tenure, a testament to his dedication to providing students with meaningful opportunities.
Dr. Davis’s influence extended far beyond administrative duties; he played an instrumental role in supporting and mentoring students. His passion for student success was evident as he coached student speakers for events like commencements, judged cookoffs at football tailgates, and attended countless athletics events to cheer on Mercer’s student-athletes.
A Lifelong Dedication to Teaching and Mentorship
Though Dr. Davis’s administrative duties made him a household name at Mercer, he was first and foremost a scholar and teacher. After earning his B.S. from Erskine College and his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Emory University, Dr. Davis joined Mercer’s faculty in 1991 as an assistant professor of chemistry. Over the years, he rose through the ranks, earning promotions to associate professor and ultimately professor of chemistry. Throughout his career, Dr. Davis remained deeply committed to his academic field, balancing administrative responsibilities with a genuine love for research and teaching.
Beyond his faculty role, Dr. Davis’s leadership in the Department of Chemistry, as chair from 2000 to 2002, allowed him to shape the future of science education at Mercer. His reputation as an outstanding mentor and educator was cemented by his many roles, including serving as chair of various academic committees and playing a critical role in the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) accreditation process.
Despite his extensive administrative career, Dr. Davis never lost his passion for interacting with students. He found ways to connect with students through various venues, often engaging with them outside the classroom. His love for teaching and mentorship was not confined to the classroom but spanned the entirety of his professional life, leaving an indelible mark on students and colleagues alike.
A Man of Many Passions
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Dr. Davis had a wide array of personal interests that enriched his life and the lives of those around him. A passionate golfer, Dr. Davis played on a team that won a tournament just hours before his passing. He was a long-time member of several golf clubs, including River Forest Golf Club and Healy Point Country Club. His love for golf was matched only by his enthusiasm for other hobbies, including tinkering with older cars and collecting various items, from knives and guns to vintage music posters.
Dr. Davis was also known for his sense of humor, his sharp wit, and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life. Those who knew him well appreciated his generosity, his commitment to helping others, and his infectious positivity. He was particularly proud of his family, including his wife, Catherine “Cathy” Daniel Davis, and their three children, Ryan, Miller, and Layne.
Remembering a Legacy of Service and Compassion
In addition to his numerous professional achievements, Dr. Davis was a dedicated community member. He served on the Stratford Academy Board of Trustees, among other local boards, and was an active participant in many philanthropic efforts. His legacy lives on not only in the academic institutions he helped shape but also in the lives of the countless students, faculty, and community members he mentored and supported.
A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at 2 p.m. in Willingham Hall’s Toney Auditorium on Mercer’s Macon campus. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend in person. Family and friends have requested that guests wear orange and black in honor of Dr. Davis’s pride for Mercer University.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the D. Scott Davis Memorial Fund at Mercer University, a fitting tribute to a man who dedicated his life to fostering education, research, and community.
