Spring 2006, Volume 9, No. 2

Getting to know the University
System of Georgia's new chancellor

Erroll B. Davis Jr. brought his “active listening” tour to Macon State College on April 4 as Georgia’s new chancellor continued his travels to each of the state’s 35 public institutions of higher learning.

“I should listen for a while before I make any grand pronouncements of what I will or will not do,” Davis said to a gathering of faculty who met with him in the Macon State College Library. “I’m interested in learning what’s on your mind.”

True to his word, Davis did more listening than talking during his visit, which included meetings with President David A. Bell and other administrators, as well as sessions with students and faculty. In the evening, the chancellor got an opportunity to meet state legislators and other Central Georgia leaders at a reception hosted by Board of Regents member Robert F. Hatcher Sr. of Macon.

At a media briefing held less than two hours after his arrival, Davis indicated a good first impression of Macon State.

“I will say that Dr. Bell is an enthusiastic leader,” he said. “It comes across in every conversation, and I can appreciate that.”

Prior to becoming chancellor in February, Davis served as chairman of the board of Alliant Energy Corporation – an energy holding company with $8.3 billion in total assets and annual operating revenues of $3.0 billion.

Earlier, Davis served as president and CEO of WPL Holdings and was CEO and president of Wisconsin Power and Light Company. His career also includes corporate finance positions at Xerox Corporation and Ford Motor Company.

Davis’ higher education experience includes serving as a member of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents. He is a former chairman of the board of trustees of Carnegie Mellon University.

A native of Pittsburgh, Pa., Davis earned a bachelor of science in electrical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and an MBA in finance from the University of Chicago. He is a member of numerous professional associations and civic organizations. In 2004, he was elected to the U.S. Olympic Committee Board and chairs the USOC’s Audit Committee.

Davis and his wife, Elaine, established the Davis Family Foundation, which makes annual grants to numerous students in need. He is the recipient of many honors and awards, including recognition as one of the “75 Most Powerful Blacks in Corporate America” by Black Enterprise magazine.