The LeMoyne-Owen College Board of Trustees voted to appoint Dr. Christopher B. Davis as the 14th President of the College after serving as Interim President since July 2023. 

Davis brings a wealth of multifaceted experience as a faith, business, and community leader. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Arkansas and Arkansas Baptist College and his Doctor of Ministry degree with emphasis on Preaching and Leadership from the United Theological Seminary in Dayton, Ohio. Additionally, he studies at the Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. He is presently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in Leadership with a concentration in Higher Education Leadership from Anderson University. He is St. Paul Baptist Church’s Senior Pastor and has served on the LOC Board of Trustees since 2016.

Under Dr. Davis’ leadership as Interim President, LeMoyne-Owen has spearheaded a comprehensive institutional rebranding that emphasized its distinction as the nation’s 5th oldest and Memphis’ only Historically Black College and University (HBCU). Significant changes were made to staff, including filling key roles such as Chief Financial Officer and adding a Director of Campus Safety and Director of Grants and Strategic Initiatives. Additionally, he was pivotal in bringing Men’s Volleyball to the College’s sports offerings. He also championed initiatives to revitalize existing campus facilities, enhancing the overall institution infrastructure.

Considering the College’s progress under Dr. Davis’ interim leadership, the LeMoyne-Owen College Board of Trustees decided to forgo a full nationwide president search, a major financial investment. 

“Dr. Davis’ service as a former Board of Trustees chair, as well as his vast experience from the business and religious sectors, give us full confidence in his ability to be a transformative leader who fosters the deeply rooted legacy of LeMoyne-Owen College,” says Vanecia Belser Kimbrow, Esq., newly elected LeMoyne-Owen College Board of Trustees chair.

Moving forward, Davis will work to position LeMoyne-Owen College as the leading economic engine for the 38126 community in Memphis and continue to set the institution apart as a learning ground for global competencies and experiences. 

Kimbrow, founder of the Law Office of Vanecia Belser Kimbrow and public servant-leader, has served on the Board since 2022, and will govern in an initial two-year term. She also serves as a commissioner for the Shelby County Election Commission, among other organizations. These key roles are critical for success in a changing climate in higher education.

“Tennessee’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities are a vital component of the State’s education ecosystem and economy,” says Brittany L. Mosby. Ed.D, Director of of HBCU Success. “As the only HBCU in Memphis, LeMoyne-Owen College is a unique institution with a unique mission. The Office of HBCU Success at the Tennessee Higher Education Commission is looking forward to working with Dr. Davis and his leadership team to continue to build a policy environment that advances opportunities for HBCUs and their students.”

President Davis’ tenure begins July 8.