Hampton alumna brings more than two decades of experience in academic leadership, student success and community engagement to the deanship
Hampton, Va. – A Hampton education helped shape Dr. Sherree R.B. Davis’ career as an educator and administrator. Now, the Hampton University alumna will help guide the academic experiences of a new generation of students as Interim Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Education (SLAE).
Davis brings more than 20 years of higher education experience to the position. Her background includes academic affairs, curriculum development, faculty affairs, strategic planning, accreditation and student success.
“Dr. Davis knows Hampton and understands the responsibility that comes with leading one of our academic schools,” said Dr. Betty H. Stewart, Provost and Executive Vice President of Hampton University. “She has worked closely with faculty and students throughout her career and has demonstrated a strong commitment to academic quality. Her experience will be valuable as the school strengthens its programs and continues preparing students for graduate study, careers and service.”
Davis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminal Justice from Hampton University. She continued her education at George Washington University, earning a Master of Arts in Education and Human Development, and a Doctor of Education in Higher Education Administration.
Before serving as Interim Dean, Davis was the Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Assistant Professor of Sociology in SLAE.. She worked with faculty, department chairs and University leadership on academic programs, curriculum design, faculty affairs, strategic planning and initiatives supporting student success.
Davis also previously served as the Chair of SLAE’s Department of Sociology. As Chair, she increased departmental enrollment by 50%, led the development of a new curriculum in criminology/criminal justice and revitalized the department’s internship program.
Since returning to Hampton, Davis has also contributed to University-wide academic planning and governance. She currently serves on the University’s SACSCOC Leadership Team, Long Range Planning Committee, and the Committee on the Instructional Program.
Davis also brings extensive administrative and faculty experience from Fayetteville State University, where she served for 13 years as an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice and for 11 years as Director of the Office of Civic Engagement, Service Learning and Assessment. As Director, she worked with faculty to integrate service learning into academic courses, helped develop an interdisciplinary core course and led faculty development initiatives. Her administrative responsibilities included staff supervision, grant development, assessment and management of operational and Title III resources exceeding $400,000. Her work in that role supported the academic experiences of more than 8,000 students.
Davis also has experience in accreditation and institutional effectiveness. She served on Fayetteville State University’s Quality Enhancement Plan Steering Committee during the University’s SACSCOC reaffirmation process and led Title III Academic Core Quality activities supporting several departments. She also served as Interim Title IX Coordinator and Deputy Title IX Coordinator.
Her research interests include student mental health and crisis intervention, the pedagogical impact of online education, juvenile justice and community corrections. Before and alongside her academic career, Davis worked in Virginia’s juvenile justice and community corrections systems as a juvenile probation officer and criminal justice planner.
Davis brings a particularly broad Hampton perspective to the deanship. She has experienced the University as a student, alumna, professor, department chair, administrator and parent of a Hampton graduate. In her new role, she will draw on those experiences as she works with faculty, staff and students to advance the School of Liberal Arts and Education.
About Hampton University
Founded in 1868, Hampton University is one of the nation’s strongest Historically Black Colleges and Universities and a prestigious Carnegie R2-designated research institution. For more than 150 years, Hampton has prepared world-ready leaders of character and consequence through a distinctive educational experience grounded in academic excellence, leadership, innovation, and service.
Home to students from 44 states and 32 countries and territories, the University is nationally recognized for groundbreaking research in atmospheric science, cancer research, cybersecurity, marine and environmental science, and other disciplines that address society’s most pressing challenges. With an annual economic impact of $515 million across the Commonwealth of Virginia, Hampton continues to advance discovery, strengthen communities, and prepare graduates to lead with purpose in an increasingly interconnected world. Learn more at www.hamptonu.edu.
