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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a devoted
and well-respected Arkansan, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. Known as Prexy
to close family and friends, Dr. Davis passed away on Saturday, June 5,
at the age of 89. His deep devotion to higher education and to the well-being
of everyone around him, particularly his students, leaves a legacy that
will live on for generations in the lives he touched.
A native of McCroy, Arkansas, Dr. Davis graduated magna cum laude in
1937 from Arkansas AM&N in Pine Bluff. He went on to receive a master's
degree in English from the University of Kansas and a doctorate in educational
administration from the University of Arkansas.
Dr. Davis spent most of his career at Arkansas AM&N, where he served
as an English professor, registrar, dean, and assistant to the president.
In 1943, at age 29, Dr. Davis became president of AM&N, making him
the youngest college president in the Nation. Thirty years later, he oversaw
the merger of Arkansas AM&N with the University of Arkansas education
system, creating the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and became the
school's first chancellor. His son, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Jr., has followed
in his father's footsteps and serves as the current UAPB chancellor.
Under Dr. Davis' leadership, the institution experienced substantial
growth in enrollment, academic programs, faculty, and expansion of the
physical campus. Believing that every person has the right to receive a
college education, Dr. Davis inspired and helped countless students who
had limited resources to complete their degrees and go on to accomplish
great things.
Serving his community and improving the lives of others were life-long
commitments of this compassionate and diligent leader. Dr. Davis was a
member of numerous community and university committees.
My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Davis' family, friends, and colleagues,
to whom I extend my deepest and sincere sympathies. May his legacy endure
in the many lives that he touched and inspired. |
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