Dr. Davis’ appointment is effective tomorrow. He will assume, on an interim basis, the position of president previously held by Robert M. Gates, who was sworn in earlier today as the nation’s Secretary of Defense.

“Dr. Davis is an excellent choice for the position of interim president of Texas A&M,” said John D. White, chairman of the Board of Regents. “He has worked closely with Dr. Gates and Dr. Prior for many years to secure millions in private support for initiatives that have brought the university to an exciting, new level of excellence, not to mention increased recognition the world over.”

“For more than a decade, Dr. Davis has provided outstanding leadership in guiding Texas A&M’s fund-raising efforts and overseeing management of assets and endowments supporting the university,” said Dr. Michael D. McKinney, chancellor of the A&M System. “He has a solid background in finance and fiscal affairs at both the university and System levels and as a university professor. His knowledge, skills and leadership will be particularly valuable as we enter the next Legislative session in January and work to support state funding for higher education.”

Davis has served as president of the Texas A&M Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to raising private gifts, particularly endowments, benefiting Texas A&M University, since 1993. He also serves as the primary contact for a portfolio of major donor prospects and as president of the foundation’s subsidiary Trust Company.

“I am honored to assume the position of interim president of this fine university, which I have been proud to serve for many years,” said Davis. “This is an exciting time at Texas A&M, and I’ve enjoyed working with Dr. Gates and Dr. Prior on a number of important and visionary initiatives. Now I look forward to building on that foundation. I can think of no better charge than having the opportunity to work with the university students, faculty and staff, the Board of Regents and our new chancellor to enhance Texas A&M’s reputation as a world-class institution serving the people of Texas, our nation and beyond.”

As the Texas A&M Foundation’s chief executive officer, Davis has helped identify and secure millions in major gifts from donors supporting key Texas A&M University initiatives, including diversity, faculty recruitment and retention, and support for students including scholarships and fellowships. Working with foundation trustees, volunteer leaders and staff, Davis has led the university’s two major fund-raising campaigns. The Capturing the Spirit campaign from 1990-1996 exceeded its $500 million goal, raising $637 million. The current One Spirit One Vision campaign, which will conclude Dec. 31, has exceeded its $1 billion goal with $1.4 billion raised, as of Nov. 30.

Before joining the foundation, Davis served in positions including executive deputy chancellor for The Texas A&M University System; vice president for fiscal affairs of Texas A&M University; and vice president for fiscal affairs and treasurer at North Texas State University. He has interacted with and presented before the Texas Legislature on numerous occasions. He is a tenured professor of educational administration at Texas A&M, where he currently teaches a graduate course in higher education policy, concentrating on business and finance. He also has served on the faculty of the University of North Texas. He retired as a colonel in the Army Reserve, having served four years on active duty including a tour with the 173rd Airborne Brigade in Vietnam.

Davis graduated from Texas A&M University in 1967 with a B.S. in agricultural journalism. He served as cadet colonel of the Corps of Cadets during his senior year. He later attended Harvard University’s graduate school of business administration and returned to A&M to earn a master’s degree in educational administration in 1973 and a Ph.D. in higher education administration in 1980.0

Davis has served as a member of numerous professional and civic organizations ranging from Board of Management of the Council on Governmental Relations at the national level to chair of the State of Texas Higher Education Funding Formula Committee to the board of the Bryan/College Station Chamber of Commerce. At A&M, he is a member of the Endowed Diamond Century Club, 12th Man Foundation Advisory Board and A&M Legacy Society.

About Texas A&M University and the A&M System

Texas A&M University is located in College Station, Texas. It was established in 1876 as the state’s first public institution of higher learning. Today, it offers degrees in more than 170 fields with a student enrollment of more than 45,000, among the nation’s largest. Texas A&M University ranks first among statewide public institutions in six-year graduation and retention rates among all students. It is home of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum. Externally funded research brings in $550 million every year and helps drive the state’s economy.

The university is the flagship institution of The Texas A&M University System, one of the largest systems of higher education in the nation, with a budget of $2.6 billion. Through a statewide network of nine universities, seven state agencies and a comprehensive health science center, the A&M System educates more than 103,000 students and makes more than 15 million additional educational contacts through service and outreach programs each year.

Established in 1953, the Texas A&M Foundation is a privately governed nonprofit corporation whose mission is to support Texas A&M University. The Foundation's specialty is allowing donors to make gifts that are designated for the educational or leadership programs of their choice.