Virginia Union University Appoints New Dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business
June 19, 2019
Virginia Union University President & CEO Dr. Hakim Lucas has announced the appointment of Robin Renee Davis, Ph.D. to serve as Dean of the Sydney Lewis School of Business, effective July 2019. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the field of economic development and higher education and has taught classes at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels.
“Dr. Davis is well-positioned to grow VUU’s School of Business by introducing new degree programs and helping our students develop in management and entrepreneurship,” Dr. Lucas said. “We are thrilled to welcome such an innovative scholar and thoughtful leader. Her vast experience and expertise will greatly benefit our students.”
Prior to VUU, Dr. Davis served as an Associate Professor of Management and the Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She also worked in the South Carolina Department of Commerce as the Economic Development Manager and as the Executive Director of the Rural Crossroads Institute in the Community & Rural Development Division.
“I am honored to join Virginia Union University,” Dr. Davis said. “The Sydney Lewis School of Business has a great reputation, and I am excited about the opportunity to work collaboratively with professors and administrators to enhance the portfolio of degrees.”
Her work extends beyond academia. Dr. Davis is president of Delta House, Inc., a community-based non-profit organization; past-Chair of the Midlands Community Development organization, where she successfully lead the effort to build and sell 20 residential homes to form a subdivision called “Congaree Pointe;” and she was the first African-American woman to lead Business Retention and Expansion International (BREI), an international economic development organization.
Dr. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from South Carolina State University, an MBA from Alabama A & M University, and a Ph.D. in Organization Management from Capella University. She is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She and her husband, Mr. Leon Davis, have two adult children and one grandson.
About VUU: Virginia Union University is a premier liberal arts urban institution of higher education and center of excellence for the preparation of students and the development of leaders for tomorrow’s world. It was founded in 1865 to give newly emancipated slaves an opportunity for education and advancement. Virginia Union University offers a broad range of educational opportunities that advances liberal arts education, teaching, research, science, technology, continuing education, civic engagement, and international experiences. Visit https://www.vuu.edu/ for more information.