Breaking Barriers: Howard University Celebrates Historic Promotion That Changes the Game

Howard University has taken a significant step by promoting Kery Davis to Vice President of Athletics. This is a groundbreaking move for the university and showcases Davis’s dedication to student-athletes’ success both in sports and academics.

Davis boasts over 25 years of experience in collegiate athletics and entertainment. Since he joined Howard in 2015, he has made a big impact, raising the university’s athletic profile across the nation.

Under Davis’s leadership, Howard’s teams have celebrated 33 championships, including the university’s first NCAA victory in women’s basketball in 2022 and six straight MEAC volleyball titles from 2015 to 2022. The men’s basketball team had back-to-back NCAA tournament appearances, and the football team claimed MEAC titles in both 2022 and 2023. Additionally, he introduced the university’s first Division I golf programs, sparked by a generous donation from NBA star Steph Curry.

“Kery has transformed our athletics department,” noted Cynthia Evers, Senior Vice President of Student Affairs. “His focus goes beyond wins; he builds an environment supporting athletes in all areas.” Thanks to his efforts, over 300 student-athletes have made the Conference All-Academic teams, contributing to an impressive overall GPA of 3.34 for the department.

Davis’s partnerships with brands like AT&T and Nissan have been game-changers. Notably, in 2021, he secured a 20-year deal with Jordan Brand, making Howard an exclusive HBCU partner for both football and basketball. His initiatives, such as the NBA/HBCU All-Star Game, have elevated Howard’s visibility in the sports arena.

In 2024, he was honored as FCS Athletic Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics. His achievements have also landed him spots on Sports Illustrated’s and Black Enterprise’s lists of influential figures in sports.

Davis envisions a future where Howard builds on its rich legacy, aiming to create a championship culture and improve facilities for athletes. “We have an amazing legacy, and I’m eager to push our programs further,” he said.

Before his time at Howard, Davis worked for 17 years at HBO Sports as Senior Vice President, where he oversaw Emmy-winning shows and cut major deals with stars like Floyd Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya. His diverse experience spans marketing, legal, and public relations.

Kery Davis holds a B.A. from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from Cornell Law School. He is also active in various committees, including the NCAA Men’s Basketball Oversight Committee.

Davis’s elevation to Vice President of Athletics signals recognition of his extensive contributions to Howard University. His leadership style and forward-thinking vision promise a bright future for Bison Athletics, paving the way for a new era of excellence.

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