President McDavis Honored with Legacy Award

McDavis received the award for his term as dean of the College of Education and Health Professions and Professor of Counselor Education at the university from 1989 to 1994.

Silas Hunt was the first black student to attend the southern public university after being admitted without litigation. The Silas Hunt Legacy Award was created in honor of the first African American students to attend the University of Arkansas. It also recognizes those whose life achievements have made considerable contributions to society; sixteen individuals have been honored with this award.

“The honorees embody the spirit of Silas Hunt,” said University of Arkansas Chancellor G. David Gearhart. “The door he first opened, they have helped to open wider for others. They have touched lives throughout their careers but also made an incredible mark on our university.”

Gearhart also noted McDavis’ achievements upon his arrival at the University of Arkansas, as well as his contributions to higher education. He set high standards for students, faculty and programs of the College of Education and Health Professions.

McDavis was awarded as recipient last fall, along with three additional Silas Hunt Legacy Award recipients. The celebration is year-long; it involves the recipients a chance to interact with students and faculty through on-campus lectures and various community events. The celebration will conclude with a black-tie event to be held in April.

Throughout his career, McDavis has served as a consultant and keynote speaker for universities, community colleges, public school systems, human service agencies, professional associations, community organizations, and churches. In 1995, he was named Person of the Year in Education by The Gainesville Sun. He was named the 1996 Outstanding Alumnus of The Gladys W. and David H. Patton College of Education at Ohio University. He also received the 1997 Black Achiever’s Award in Education from the Florida Conference of Black State Legislators.

In 2008, McDavis founded The Interlink Alliance, a coalition of historically black colleges and universities and Ohio University, for the purpose of developing and preparing African American students to learn, live and lead in the 21st century.

According to the press release, McDavis was “deeply humbled by this honor and to be welcomed into the company of the other truly distinguished recipients of the Silas Hunt Legacy Award.” He also said, “I am grateful to the students, faculty and staff of Ohio University who have worked with me as we pursue a shared vision that lifts up diversity in all its forms.”