Today, as president, Davis focuses on the institution’s financial stability and identity alignment with its Free Methodist heritage. She believes students will benefit most from the institution providing immersive experiential learning with character and service outcomes, interconnected partnerships, and innovative operational tactics. Thanks to her leadership, GU has realized
- a 14% increase in enrollment at a time when other colleges and universities saw declines and closures,
- record-high donations,
- the launch of new academic programs,
- new construction and upgrades to campus facilities, and
- partnerships that foster growth for GU, its students, and the greater community.
FOREVER TRANSFORMED
As a prospective college student, Davis chose GU in part for its proximity to St. Louis hospitals. Her brothers both suffered from a genetic disease that would ultimately take their lives. As a freshman, she traveled daily to Children's Hospital, where one of them remained in ICU her entire first year. At the same time, her father, at home, was dying of cancer.
Heartbroken by suffering, she questioned a loving God. At GU, she found compassionate listeners and willing companions who sojourned alongside her through her pain. She discovered mentors who guided her path and her passions. She embraced Jesus Christ as her savior. She met Phil, her future husband and partner in life.
THROUGH THESE EYES . . .
Today, Davis sees each student as created in God’s image. She sees their unique stories and callings.
“Some come to GU broken,” she says. “Some come with unbridled and passionate idealism. They come from different places, backgrounds, and experiences. They all need to feel seen, known, and valued.”
Davis prays today’s students will find hope in a loving God as she did. She wants them to hear God’s call, discover a vocation, and build friendships that last a lifetime.
EQUIPPING AND SENDING
Davis points to alums’ stories as evidence that GU graduates help the church reconcile the world to Jesus Christ. As students, they learned to “come alongside” others in need, serve, and fill Christ’s great commission to go and make disciples of all nations.
" I envision sending out legions more,” she says. “The prospects are promising. The needs are great.”
Davis and her husband Phil ’96, are the parents of two adopted daughters, Tiffany and Brittany. They have one grandson, Corbin.
