Memorial service, including livestream, for Dr. D. Scott Davis held Feb. 19
Mercer University Provost and Professor of Chemistry Dr. D. Scott Davis died unexpectedly from an apparent heart attack on Feb. 10. He was 61.
A memorial service was held on Feb. 19 at 2 p.m. in Willingham Hall’s Toney Auditorium on the Macon campus. The service was livestreamed for those who could not attend the campus service.
As the University’s longest-serving provost, Dr. Davis’ influence on Mercer’s academic enterprise was profound and far-reaching.
Appointed as chief academic officer in 2012, he oversaw the University’s 12 schools and colleges, the Mercer Health Sciences Center, the Division of Student Life, University libraries, research, institutional effectiveness, international programs, registrar, academic and advising services and Mercer University Press, among other units.
“Scott Davis was the finest provost with whom I have had the privilege to serve,” said Mercer President William D. Underwood. “In addition to a brilliant mind, Scott was determined to make Mercer the best it could be. He loved Mercer. When there were tough things that needed to be done, I could always count on Scott. His legacy will endure far into the future of this University.”
Highlights of Dr. Davis’ tenure as provost include:
- Mercer was reclassified as a Doctoral University with High Research Activity (R2), the second-highest level in the Carnegie Classification.
- The University was admitted to the Georgia Research Alliance and approached $50 million in annual research expenditures.
- Mercer was awarded a Phi Beta Kappa chapter, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious honor society in the liberal arts.
- Enrollment surpassed 9,200 students.
- The Mercer Health Sciences Center and the University’s 12th academic unit — the College of Health Professions — were established.
- The School of Medicine expanded its Savannah campus, opened a new four-year campus in Columbus, and added a clinical campus in Valdosta.
- Mercer Medicine opened six rural clinics.
- The 143,000-square-foot Godsey Science Center opened on the Macon campus.
- Extensive renovations were completed on the Willet Science Center on the Macon campus.
- The 65,000-square-foot Moye Pharmacy and Health Sciences Center opened on the Atlanta campus.
- Hundreds of Mercer students earned nationally competitive awards, including Fulbright Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships, Hollings Scholarships, Pickering Fellowships and Rangel Fellowships.
- The University was recognized as a top producer of Gilman Scholars and Peace Corps Prep certificate-issuing institutions.
“The University recently celebrated Founders’ Day in honor and memory of those who have shaped Mercer over its near 200-year history, and there is no doubt that our colleague, friend, and one many of us considered as family, Scott Davis, joins the ranks of those memorialized visionaries who made Mercer better,” said Dr. Penny L. Elkins, executive vice president. “His ambition was to advance this institution, and he did so with great insight and integrity. We will always remember him and celebrate his legacy as we move forward to build on the strong foundation that he left.”
Dr. Davis joined the Mercer faculty as assistant professor of chemistry in 1991, was promoted to associate professor in 1996, and served as chair of the department from 2000-2002, when he was named associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. He served as associate executive vice president from 2003-2006, when he was named senior vice provost for research and dean of graduate studies. Dr. Davis held the rank of professor of chemistry.
Dr. Garland Crawford, professor of chemistry and assistant provost for research, is one of Dr. Davis’ former students.
“First and foremost, Scott was a student-focused teacher and administrator. He came to Mercer to work closely with students, which defined his numerous contributions to the University for over 30 years,” Dr. Crawford said. “His dynamic and engaging personality in the classroom helped countless undergraduate students navigate chemistry. His frank mentorship and encouragement guided many of us to find callings that were not part of our original plans. He was a staunch believer in the values of higher education and steadfast in his commitment to making Mercer a better place. I, along with many other of his former students, have been fortunate to count him as a lifelong advisor and friend.”
A native of South Carolina, Dr. Davis earned a B.S. from Erskine College and a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from Emory University. He completed a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and was a member of Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi Scientific Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Society and Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society.
“If you worked with Scott Davis, you knew he loved his family, worked very hard, was an accomplished chemist, a brilliant mind, a revered teacher, a sports fan and a talented golfer,” said School of Medicine Dean Jean Sumner, M.D., F.A.C.P. “Incredibly funny, his quick wit put others at ease, and his intellect was impressive. He cared deeply for the Mercer family, and as provost, he managed the academic programs with great skill. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.”
A former member of the Erskine golf team, Dr. Davis was an avid golfer and played on a team that won a tournament the day he died. He was a strong supporter of Mercer athletics and student-athletes, in particular the men’s golf team.
“Scott was more than just a colleague and confidant, he was also one of my best friends,” said Mercer men’s golf coach Jason Payne. “He was involved in every aspect of the men’s golf program. He made time to visit with every recruit, attend practices and travel to competitions. When the team was competing, he was always watching live scoring and constantly texting or calling me during a round. His daily presence will be missed by many across the entire athletic department.”
Dr. Davis is survived by his wife, Cathy, whom he met at Mercer, and their daughters, Miller Ann and recent Mercer graduate Layne, a Double Bear, and by a son, Ryan.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the D. Scott Davis Memorial Fund at Mercer. Memorial gifts may be made online at go.mercer.edu/davismemorialfund; by mail to Mercer University, Office of University Advancement, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207 (note Davis Memorial Fund on check); or by phone at (478) 301-2715.
