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 directs the Human and Organizational Leadership Development (HOLD) undergraduate program. She enjoys learning alongside student leaders through courageous conversations and meaningful experiences that develop critical leadership skills. Before her role at UNC, she led a research agenda, supervised communication efforts, maintained strong state and national partnerships, and guided development strategies 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 administrative roles but contributes to research and scholarship around organizational leadership, equity, and student success.
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 is interested in critical case study methods that explore how senior leaders perform their roles and responsibilities to promote equitable success.