NEWS AND EVENTS OF LIFE UNIVERSITY
Dr . Harrison Davis , Director , Office of Diversity , Equity & Inclusion ( ODEI )
Inclusive Excellence
As an Atlanta native , Dr . Harrison Davis says he doesn ’ t just feel at home here at Life University , but he is home . Residing in Johns Creek with his family , Dr . Davis spends his personal time supporting Atlanta ’ s sports teams and exploring original dining around Georgia . “ I ’ m a ‘ foodie ’ is the term I have learned . I go out of the way to get original , outstanding food that I can share with other people .” At work , however , he is on a mission .
As the newly-appointed Director for the Office of Diversity , Equity & Inclusion ( ODEI ), Dr . Davis is helping guide the policy and culture around Life U in a positive direction . The ODEI itself is part of a long-term university strategic plan to make sure we are providing students of every background with an environment in which they can flourish . Dr . Davis explains the term “ Equity ,” in the office ’ s title “ represents the fairness in resources and treatment everyone receives regardless or your gender , of your nationality , your racial and ethnic background and your socio-economic background . All of these need to be taken into account .” As a part of this , the ODEI has been emphasizing the awareness of cultural events around campus , is offering the John R . Lewis Scholarship for students who demonstrate diversity leadership , has been developing long-term projects like a cultural competency program for both students and faculty , and is even building a Multicultural Center on campus .
“ Inclusive Excellence means making it an everyday practice — not just talking about it , not just making sure it happens ‘ over here ’ every once and a while . I can equate it to someone who is trying to lose weight ; for it to work , you have to make it a constant , intentional practice . It ’ s a lifestyle change . We need Inclusive Excellence to be ingrained in the culture of the campus , so it is something that is just expected all the time , not just when it ’ s convenient and easy ,” explains Dr . Davis .
Part of this goal is demonstrating and promoting Inclusive Excellence . This means going beyond just broadening your own mind and into making inclusiveness a material goal through both your actions and communication . “ Inclusive Excellence means making it an everyday practice — not just talking about it , not just making sure it happens ‘ over here ’ every once and a while . I can equate it to someone who is trying to lose weight ; for it to work , you have to make it a constant , intentional practice . It ’ s a lifestyle change . We need Inclusive Excellence to be ingrained in the culture of the campus , so it is something that is just expected all the time , not just when it ’ s convenient and easy ,” explains Dr . Davis . To reach this goal , the ODEI offers educational materials and workshops to students , handles reports of discriminatory behavior and oversees cultural programing events . For instance , as part of their recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month , ODEI just put on a Hispanic Heritage Block Party featuring food , music and fashion from the diverse cultures across Central and South America . Weighing in as a foodie , Dr . Davis said “ If you weren ’ t there , then you missed out in a big way .”
Dr . Davis ’ educational background is a rich foundation of both academic research and direct activism . He studied psychology as an undergraduate at Georgia State before transitioning into a master ’ s degree in counseling at Columbus State University . Dr . Davis gathered experience helping students in the counseling center at the University of West Georgia before pursuing his Ph . D . in counseling at the University of Arkansas from 2000 to 2003 . As someone who has taught classes for 18 years on counseling and also directly worked in the field , Dr . Davis says , “ This complements what I bring to ODEI . Having skills in connecting to people , understanding people , allowing people to understand their own viewpoints and actions and rationale . All of this is crucial for our work ensuring people can feel included .” This personal touch is important because if you are looking at the ODEI webpage , when they say “ Contact Us ,” they mean “ Contact Dr . Davis .” He explains , with a touch of pride , “ I ’ m a one-man , one-person office who is operating like a Multicultural Center and pointing people to the right resources and connections they need .”
It is clear that Dr . Davis ’ inclusion at Life University is a mark of the institution ’ s growth and continued commitment to diversity , equity and inclusion . “ I ’ m here to serve the students , faculty , community and staff . Everyone .” He is a role model for all students and faculty , and Life U is very proud to have him on board .
6 Alumni . LIFE . edu | 2021