James A. “Jim” Davis, Ph.D., president emeritus of Shenandoah University who served as the university’s president from 1982 to 2008, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the age of 80.

In July 1982, Dr. Davis became the 15th president of what was then known as Shenandoah College and Conservatory, and led the institution through tremendous growth during one of the most pivotal eras in its 150-year history.

“All of us owe so much to President Davis and the amazing faculty, staff and administrators who worked with him in the 1980s and 1990s,” Dr. Fitzsimmons said. “Their collective vision and work literally saved Shenandoah, and transformed it into a financially stable and academically diverse university.”

Dr. Davis was the architect of what Shenandoah is today. Under his leadership:

• The institution was renamed Shenandoah University, becoming a single entity with several component schools — School of Arts & Sciences, School of Business, Shenandoah Conservatory, School of Education & Human Development, and the School of Health Professions — in 1991. 
• Shenandoah’s enrollment grew from 874 students in 1982 to approximately 3,300 in 2008.
• The university’s endowment grew from $500,000 to over $50 million.
• Shenandoah greatly expanded its academic programming, adding dozens of new undergraduate, master’s and doctoral degree programs.
• SU increased its physical footprint from 45 acres to 123 acres while adding over 20 new buildings, including the historic John Kerr Building in downtown Winchester; Mary M. Henkel Hall; Ruebush Hall and Ohrstrom-Bryant Theatre; Alson H. Smith, Jr. Library; the Brandt Student Center; and Halpin-Harrison Hall.
• Shenandoah began offering its first classes in Loudoun County, as well as its first online program – the Nontraditional Doctor of Pharmacy, which was launched in 1998.
• SU’s Global Citizenship Project, which sends students, faculty and staff to locations all over the world each year, was established in 2005.

“For over 25 years, President James A. Davis was the face of Shenandoah University. Under his strong and visionary leadership, Shenandoah’s main campus grew to become what we know today, and he ensured the university established a stable foundation of financial support that has enabled it to continue to provide the best possible experience for its students,” said university trustee and longtime supporter James R. “Jimmy” Wilkins, Jr., whose father, James R. Wilkins, Sr., was president of Shenandoah’s Board of Trustees when Davis was appointed the university’s president.

Davis also ushered Shenandoah into the modern age of intercollegiate athletics. Under Davis’ leadership, Shenandoah’s athletics department grew from one full-time employee to 20 and added 11 intercollegiate sports, including the reinstatement of football in 2000. Shenandoah’s Shentel Stadium, which remains the home facility for the Hornets’ football, men’s and women’s soccer, and men’s lacrosse programs, opened in 2001, under Dr. Davis’ leadership.

Davis was given the honorary title of president emeritus at Shenandoah University upon his retirement in 2008. In 2016, Shenandoah awarded Davis an honorary doctorate of humanities. Davis Hall on Shenandoah’s main campus is named for the former president, and the 12-foot bronze statue of the university’s hornet mascot located outside the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center was dedicated in honor of Davis and his wife, Janet Copple Davis, in 2018.

Davis and his wife returned to Shenandoah this fall to celebrate the university’s sesquicentennial at the “Our Legacy, Our Future 150th Celebration Gala” on Sept. 13, where he offered the featured toast in honor of his beloved Shenandoah.

I knew Jim Davis throughout his entire and remarkable 26-year career as university president. I saw the institution under his leadership grow from a small college into a major university with diverse, high-quality programs, a committed faculty, enthusiastic students, and a supportive community. His commitment, dedication, and skill in managing a dynamic institution and in inspiring students and faculty alike allowed Shenandoah to grow into a major university with many new facilities, innovative programs, and an international reputation. He leaves an enduring legacy.”

Warren Hofstra, Ph.D., Shenandoah University Professor of History

Prior to arriving at Shenandoah, Davis was a history professor, academic dean and senior vice president at Ferrum College. Davis served three terms in the Virginia House of Delegates and was a published author — his second book, “Rules of Civility for a Modern Society,” was published toward the end of his Shenandoah presidency. Davis also was actively involved in civic and professional life, including serving on the First Bank Board of Directors and non-profit boards, and he was a member of Randolph-Macon College’s Board of Trustees. During his time as Shenandoah University’s president, Davis was very active in the United Methodist Church and the Virginia Conference of the United Methodist Church.

He earned an associate’s degree from Ferrum College, a bachelor’s degree in history from Randolph-Macon College, a master’s degree in history from Virginia Tech, and a doctorate in college administration from Florida State University.

Following his retirement from Shenandoah University, Davis and his wife moved to Bradenton, Florida, where they became deeply involved in the community. After nearly a decade in Florida, they returned to Virginia, finding friends and a welcoming home in recent years in Roanoke.

Davis is survived by his beloved wife, Janet, and their three children: Barclay Davis, Andrew Davis, and Stephanie Davis Landes.

Shenandoah University will host a memorial service on its main campus in Winchester, Virginia, at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16.