Education

  • Ph.D. 2019 – North Carolina State University, Educational Leadership, Policy and Human Development
  • M.Ed. 2009 – University of Georgia, College Student Affairs Administration
  • B.S. 2006 – University of Miami, Elementary Education and Biology with a Leadership Studies minor

Areas of Expertise

  • Campus Climate
  • Equity and Postsecondary Student Success
  • Higher Education Leadership
  • Organizational Theory

Background

Dr. Jemilia Davis is currently a faculty member in the UNC School of Education and directs the undergraduate program in Human Organizational Leadership and Development (HOLD). She enjoys learning alongside current and future leaders through courageous conversations and meaningful experiences that develop critical leadership skills. Prior to this role, she led a research agenda, communication efforts, maintained strong partnerships with state and national partners, and guided funding and development strategies in her role as Director for Strategic Initiatives and External Relations at the Belk Center for Community College Leadership and Research. She also coordinated academic advising for pre-professional students and supervised student leaders in housing and residence life at the University of North Carolina Wilmington. Dr. Davis has primarily served in leadership roles; however, maintains an active commitment to extending scholarship around organizational leadership, equity, and student success through her professional service to national and local organizations.

Research

Dr. Davis is an active scholar practitioner who examines the role of senior leadership in organizations, mainly higher education, and the influence executive leader perspectives, practices, and policies have on promoting equitable success for historically excluded communities. Dr. Davis has a specific interest critical case study methods that incorporates qualitative and quantitative data that provides an opportunity to explore the depth and breadth context to describe the environments where senior leaders perform their roles and responsibilities.