David Scott Davis

Dr. David Scott Davis (July 26, 1963 – February 10, 2025), esteemed educator, scholar, and longtime leader at Mercer University, passed away unexpectedly on February 10 in Macon, Georgia. A dedicated academic and visionary administrator, Dr. Davis played a pivotal role in shaping Mercer’s trajectory and advancing its mission of excellence in education and research. He was the longest-serving provost in the history of Mercer University.

Dr. Davis was appointed as Mercer’s Provost in January 2012, serving as the institution’s chief academic officer for over a decade. Under his leadership, Mercer achieved significant milestones, including attaining R2 status in the Carnegie Classification, gaining membership in the Georgia Research Alliance, and securing a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa. His tenure saw record-breaking enrollment surpassing 9,200 students, the establishment of the University’s academic health sciences center and the College of Health Professions, the creation of the Mercer Innovation Center to foster entrepreneurship, and the expansion of the School of Medicine to Columbus. His commitment to research and scholarship helped external funding double to nearly $50 million, and he played a key role in supporting students in earning nationally competitive awards, including Fulbright, Goldwater, Hollings, Pickering, and Rangel Scholarships, as well as Peace Corps placements. Mercer was also recognized as a top producer of Gilman Scholars during his time as provost.

Dr. Davis’s career at Mercer spanned over three decades. He joined the faculty as an assistant professor of chemistry in 1991 and was promoted to associate professor in 1996. He served as chair of the Department of Chemistry from 2000 to 2002 before becoming Associate Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. His leadership roles continued as Associate Executive Vice President from 2003 to 2006, followed by his appointment as Senior Vice Provost for Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. He also served terms as Interim Dean of Mercer’s School of Business and College of Education. In addition to serving as Provost and chairing countless SACSCOC visits, he held the rank of Professor of Chemistry and remained dedicated to his field throughout his career.

A native of South Carolina, Dr. Davis earned his B.S. from Erskine College and a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry from Emory University. He completed a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. In high school, he was captain of the golf team, president of Beta Club, first chair trumpet, a Governor’s School alternate, Boys State first alternate, a member of the Science Club, and was voted “Most Likely to Flirt” and “Most Dependable.” He was also a collegiate scholarship athlete in men’s golf and was captain of the golf team.

Dr. Davis was a distinguished member of several honorary societies, including Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi Scientific Honor Society, Omicron Delta Kappa Society, and Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society.

Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Davis was a loving husband, devoted father, and cherished friend. His kindness, sarcastic humor, and unwavering support enriched the lives of all who knew him. He found immense joy in his family and took great pride in their accomplishments. His warmth and generosity extended far beyond his home, touching colleagues, students, and friends who were fortunate to share in his journey.

Dr. Davis was an avid golfer, playing on a team that won a tournament earlier the day he died. He had memberships at River Forest Golf Club and Healy Point Country Club, but was a long-term member at both Idle Hour Country Club and Brickyard Golf Club. In addition to his love for golf, he had passions for tinkering with older cars and collecting items, such as knives, guns, fountain pens, vintage music posters, and many other old items. He was extremely passionate when it came to bartering and trading. Also he had a love of music and was a passionate supporter of Mercer Music at Capricorn Studios.

Scott had a passion for students and longed to return to the classroom. He fed that passion by interacting with students in a variety of venues. He coached student speakers for special events including commencement, attended and supported athletics events, and he even judged student cookoffs at Football tailgates annually.

He served on a number of local boards, including the Stratford Academy Board of Trustees.

His legacy lives on not only in the University he helped lead, his children’s lives he influenced, his golf communities, but also in the countless lives he touched.

He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Remer Crum Daniel and Pamela Miller Daniel. Dr. Davis is survived by his wife, Catherine “Cathy” Daniel Davis of Macon, Georgia; his children, Ryan Matthew Glisson (Jennifer Odom), Miller Ann Davis, and Layne Elizabeth Davis; his parents, Jerry O’Neal Davis and Patricia Ann Davis; his sisters, Julie Davis Layne and Christy Davis Stoner (Roger Dick); niece Cassidy Elizabeth Stoner (Christopher Garber); brothers-in-law and their families, Remer Craig Daniel and Christopher Keith Daniel.

His memorial service will be held on Wednesday, February 19, at 2 p.m. in Willingham Hall’s Toney Auditorium on the Mercer Macon campus. The service will be livestreamed https://www.mercer.edu/scott-davis-memorial-service-livestream/ . The family requests that guests wear orange and black to honor Dr. Davis’s pride for Mercer University. A visitation will follow the service.

Dr. Davis and Cathy were inducted last year as Lifetime Members of the Mercer President’s Club, the University’s premier giving society.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the D. Scott Davis Memorial Fund at Mercer University. Memorial gifts may be made online at go.mercer.edu/davismemorialfund ; or by mail to Mercer University, Office of University Advancement, 1501 Mercer University Drive, Macon, GA 31207 (note Davis Memorial Fund on check); or by phone at (478) 301-2715. Proceeds will benefit a future golf project that Scott initiated.

Please visit www.hartsmort.com to express condolences.

Hart’s at the Cupola, Hart's Mortuary and Cremation Center, 6324 Peake Rd, Macon, GA 31210 has charge of the arrangements.