When Dr. John M. Davis arrived at Cleveland State Community College, he brought more than three decades of higher education leadership and service to the college. He also brought a deep appreciation for the transformative power of community colleges – an appreciation that began as a student himself.
Davis’ path has come full circle. From a community college student in Florida to leadership positions across the country and now serving as the ninth president at Cleveland State, his journey has always focused on changing students’ lives through education.
Since arriving at the college, Davis has been focused on the priorities he shared during the presidential search process: listening, building trust, ensuring the college is organizationally aligned and leading through transparency, honesty and communication.
“There are tremendous opportunities to strengthen partnerships with business and industry, expand internships and externships for students and continue working closely with TCAT,” Davis said. “This region is growing, and the college should be at the center of that growth.”
Originally from Panama City, Florida, Davis’ parents encouraged him to start at a community college. His father was a community college graduate; his sister followed the same path and years later his son graduated from Germanna Community College before transferring to George Mason University.
After earning his associate degree at Gulf Coast Community College, Davis transferred to Florida State University (FSU). He majored in criminal justice with the intent of becoming an FBI agent, a lifelong dream of his. After completing a full-time internship with the U.S. Marshal’s Office in Tallahassee during his senior year, Davis changed paths.
“It was a tremendous experience; I got to see all parts of what the Marshals do,” Davis said. “What I realized was that I did not want a career in law enforcement.”
Davis decided to pursue his passion for education and earned a Master of Science in Education at FSU. He met his wife, Heidi, in the program, and they married a few months before graduating.
He began his career in student services at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. After two years, he went to the College of William and Mary in Virginia and earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Policy, Planning and Leadership then worked at Regent University, a private university in Virginia Beach.
With 10 years of experience at four-year universities, Davis wanted to get back to the community college environment.
“I wanted to be somewhere I felt like I was making more of a contribution,” Davis said. “That’s what led me back home, if you will, to the community college.”
Davis worked the next 18 years at community colleges including 15 years at Germanna Community College in northern Virginia where he served as Vice President of Administrative Services.
As he researched opportunities to serve as a president, he and his family were drawn to Cleveland.
“We knew Cleveland because we had driven through this area when visiting my parents in Mobile, Alabama,” Davis said. “It has a rural flavor but is close to a lot of amenities. When I came down and interviewed, my wife, Heidi, was with me; she had the same experience – just the warmth of the people here, so kind and welcoming. We were really drawn to that.”
Davis and his wife have one son, Grant, and an adoptive daughter, Kelsey. The couple participated in a foster to adopt program in Virginia in 2009.
“We went through a pretty rigorous training for foster parenting,” Davis said. “We completed the course over several months, then waited. We didn’t hear anything about placement for months, then we received news of a baby that needed placement. Of course, we fell in love with her. The next two years were a roller coaster wondering if this would happen; it finally all worked out, and we were able to adopt our daughter.”
Throughout his career, seeing students succeed has always inspired him.
“They come from all walks of life and all manner of circumstance,” Davis said. “Watching them succeed and realize their dreams – whether that is going into the workforce or transferring to a four-year institution – that’s what motivates me. That is really what the college is all about – changing lives and strengthening our community.”