HJ638: Commending James Arnold Davis.

WHEREAS, Dr. James Arnold Davis, dedicated and beloved president of Shenandoah University, retired in 2008 after a long and distinguished career in the field of education; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Davis received a bachelor’s degree in history from Randolph-Macon College, a master’s degree in history from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, and a doctorate in college administration from Florida State University; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Davis began his career at Ferrum College, where he served with distinction as a faculty member and in various administrative positions; and

WHEREAS, in 1978 Dr. Davis won a special election to the General Assembly’s House of Delegates and was reelected in 1979 and 1981; and

WHEREAS, an able and conscientious lawmaker, Dr. Davis worked diligently to enact important legislation for the Commonwealth; and

WHEREAS, in 1982 Dr. Davis began his 18-year tenure as president of Shenandoah University, where his vision and leadership transformed Shenandoah University from a school of 874 students with 11 undergraduate and two graduate programs into a doctoral-level institution of more than 2,800 students with over 80 programs of study; and

WHEREAS, committed to high-quality higher education, Dr. Davis worked hard to ensure that the students of Shenandoah University received an education that would prepare them for either further studies or beginning their careers; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Davis’ dedication and leadership inspired those who worked with him as well as the legions of students who attended Shenandoah University during his tenure; and

WHEREAS, mindful of the needs of the community, Dr. Davis currently serves as a board member for First Bank, Valley Health, and the Commonwealth Transportation Board and has graciously given of his time and talents to other boards and commissions throughout the years; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Davis has received numerous awards and honors for his service to Shenandoah University and the Commonwealth, including honorary doctoral degrees, the Outstanding Citizen in 1984 by Woodmen of the World, and Administrator of the Year in 1988 by the Greater Madison Foundation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly commend James Arnold Davis for his exemplary leadership of Shenandoah University; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to James Arnold Davis as an expression of the General Assembly’s respect for his commitment to his profession and his service to the Commonwealth.