Howard University Appoints Shelley Davis as Interim Athletic Director, Launches Athletic Director Search

SHELLY DAVIS
INTERIM ATHLETIC DIRECTOR
HOWARD UNIVERSITY

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 13, 2015) -- Howard University today named Shelley Davis as Interim Director of Intercollegiate Athletics while launching a search for a permanent successor.

Davis joined Howard University in July 2011 as the Senior Associate Athletic Director and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA). She served as a member of the senior leadership team and was responsible for the administration of the internal operations of the 19 intercollegiate sports, 40 staff members & coaches and 375 student athletes who make up the department.

Davis succeeds Louis "Skip" Perkins as Athletic Director. Perkins is leaving to pursue other professional endeavors.

"Since arriving at Howard, Ms. Davis has played a critical role in the academic progress of the Howard Athletics program and the overall operations of the department," said President Wayne A.I. Frederick. "We are grateful to Ms. Davis for taking helm of the Department of Athletics."

The University has made a commitment to invest in student athletics so that participants develop fully.

"Howard University has an athletic program that is ready to flourish nationally and compete for championships on a regular basis," said President Frederick. "It is my expectation that we can compete both academically and athletically, graduating well-rounded students ready to serve their community and represent Howard University with pride."

"I am honored to lead the Department of Athletics during this transitional period," said Davis. "The focus of the department will continue to be on the success of our students, both on and off the field."

Prior to joining the Bison family, Davis was Assistant Commissioner for Championships and SWA at the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), Director of Education & Professional Development at the National Association of Collegiate Women Athletic Administrators (NACWAA), and Assistant Athletic Director at North Carolina A&T State University.

Davis graduated with honors from North Carolina Central University and was recently honored by her alma mater as one of their 40 Under 40 Distinguished Alumni. She is a graduate of the 2011 National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Leadership Institute and attended the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA) Senior Administrator Mentoring Institute.

HOWARD UNIVERSITY MEDIA RELEASE