When James Earl Davis was named an inaugural Fellow of the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) and elected to the National Academy of Education, Temple University colleagues viewed the recognition as well-earned, reflecting a career built on integrity and service. For Davis, however, the honor represents not a culmination, but a sense of responsibility.
“Being selected as an inaugural ASHE Fellow is both humbling and satisfying,” Davis shared. He emphasized that the recognition was made possible through the support of Temple colleagues, including Jennifer Johnson, Katie Smith, Meghan Raisch and Gregory Mandel, who, while serving as Temple University provost, was a nominator of Davis for the national fellowship.
“Throughout my career, I have tried to be a consistent and informed voice of the power of scholarship to inform practice and thinking in higher education. The award only animates my commitment to continue advancing higher education through my research, leadership and mentoring.”
That commitment has been evident throughout Davis’s leadership at Temple. Twice called upon to serve as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development, he earned the trust of faculty, staff and students alike. “Dr. Davis leads with ethics and integrity,” said Katie Smith, associate professor. “He’s a leader others turn to not for titles, but for his integrity and humanistic approach to all that he does.”
Reflecting on his leadership journey, Davis highlights relationships and trust as central to his approach. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and honesty in decision-making, noting that leadership is built through accountability and relationship. “If I am credited for accomplishing anything during my career, it was only possible because of the relationships and trust I established with colleagues, administrators and staff on this exciting journey.”
That same relational focus defines Davis’s scholarship. His work, highlighted in the study of higher education, has challenged the field to move beyond monolithic views of marginalized communities and to more thoughtfully examine how race and gender shape educational experiences across the life course. His work consists of projects supported by major grants, resulting in numerous publications reflecting a commitment to equity-driven research and practice.
Yet, when asked to reflect on the most meaningful moments of his career, Davis points first to people. “Professional and personal relationships I have established over my career are the most meaningful,” he said. He also expressed pride in his collaborative community-based work at Temple, particularly with Meghan Raisch on strengthening university–community partnerships. These efforts have expanded place-based strategies that align with Temple’s mission while supporting reciprocal relationships with local communities.
Raisch describes Davis as a deeply community-engaged scholar whose leadership has translated research into tangible impact. Through multimillion-dollar initiatives such as the Choice Neighborhood Grants and the Norris Community Afterschool Program, Davis has helped empower residents to lead sustainable programs for youth and families. “He authentically empowers communities,” Raisch said, “turning partnerships into long-term systems of opportunity.”
For many, Davis’s legacy lies in mentorship. Former doctoral student Cassy Beckowski recalled his ability to recognize and nurture emerging scholars. “From our first meeting, I was impressed by Dr. Davis’s intuitive understanding of my approach to scholarship,” she said. “He encouraged my creativity and challenged me to challenge myself. His belief in what I could accomplish helped me realize my own possibilities.”
Looking ahead, Davis remains deeply engaged with questions about the complex role of higher education as both a source of social stratification and a catalyst for change. Even as higher education faces growing political and public scrutiny, Davis remains firm in his commitment to the field. He continues to mentor graduate students and early-career scholars while reaffirming his belief in the field’s enduring relevance and transformative possibilities.
“My confidence in the value proposition of higher education is not only informed by evidence of its impact,” Davis said, “but by the continued dedication of those working in higher education to compel it to fulfill its potential.”