Ohio University to honor the legacy of Dr. Roderick J. and Deborah McDavis

This September, Ohio University will celebrate the extraordinary contributions of President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis and First Lady Emerita Deborah McDavis with two special events honoring their shared legacy of leadership, service and transformation.

“Ohio University is proud to honor the legacy of President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis and First Lady Deborah McDavis, whose leadership and generosity have shaped our University in extraordinary ways,” said President Lori Stewart Gonzalez. “From championing student access and success to strengthening our national reputation, their impact is woven into the very fabric of OHIO. As we dedicate this new residence hall and celebrate President McDavis’s contributions, we also celebrate the values of opportunity, service and excellence that he and Deborah have embodied throughout their lives.”

The celebration will include two events open to the OHIO community, each offering an opportunity to reflect on the McDavises’ legacy and look ahead to the future they helped shape.

McDavis Lecture

On Friday, Sept. 26, at 10 a.m., President McDavis will return to campus to deliver a public lecture, “OHIO’s Legacy and the Future of Higher Education,” in the Baker Theater at Baker University Center. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, and community members are invited to hear from a leader whose career has spanned decades of impact across higher education.

Cornerstone Dedication and Reception

Later that day, from 2–4 p.m., OHIO will host a cornerstone dedication and reception at Paw Print Park on South Green to celebrate the construction of the new Roderick J. McDavis Residence Hall. Set to open in Fall 2026, this 591-bed facility will be the largest residence hall on campus and will provide an elevated living and learning experience for future generations of Bobcats.

You can learn more about the new facility at the Roderick J. McDavis Hall website.

A Transformative Legacy

As OHIO’s first African American president and only the second alumnus to lead the institution, Dr. McDavis’ presidency (2004–2017) was marked by bold initiatives that reshaped the University. Under his leadership, OHIO launched the state’s first guaranteed tuition plan, advanced technology commercialization, and led The Promise Lives Campaign, which raised more than half a billion dollars to support students and programs. Together, Rod and Deborah McDavis championed programs such as the Urban Scholars and Appalachian Scholars, expanding access for first-generation and underserved students—initiatives that continue to change lives today.

Their legacy extends beyond Athens. Through leadership roles on national boards and advocacy for higher education, Dr. McDavis elevated OHIO’s reputation on the national stage, while Deborah McDavis’ dedication to building community and supporting student success left an indelible mark on campus life.

An Invitation

Ohio University invites the entire Bobcat community to join these celebrations as we honor the enduring legacy of Rod and Deborah McDavis—leaders, visionaries, and proud alumni who helped shape the University we know today, and whose impact will guide us for generations to come.

About President Emeritus McDavis

President McDavis began his academic career at Ohio University in 1966, where he participated on the men's varsity track team and was a member of Omega Psi Phi fraternity. Following completion of his undergraduate education in social sciences in secondary education, he earned his master's degree in student personnel administration from the University of Dayton in 1971 and then pursued his doctoral degree in counselor education and higher education administration from the University of Toledo.

Upon the receipt of his Ph.D. in 1974, Dr. McDavis embarked on a progressive and broad career in higher education, which included various academic and administrative roles at the University of Florida, the University of Arkansas and Virginia Commonwealth University. His passion for education, mentoring and preparing the next generation of leaders, thinkers, teachers and entrepreneurs has been evident throughout his career, and Ohio University is forever grateful for all he has done for the University and for OHIO students and alumni who are now sharing his legacy in their work around the world.