JSU alumna Sharon M. Davis has been named the 2017 Alumnus of the Year for the Jackson State University National Alumni Association, Inc. Davis earned the nomination due to her “unwavering commitment and devotion to Jackson State University and the National Alumni Association.”
A native of D’Iberville, Davis is a 1993 graduate of JSU with a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. She is an active member of the Greater Washington, D.C. Area Chapter and a life member of JSUNAA.
“Being named alumnus of the year is a privilege, and it is an even greater honor to be placed in the ranks of the past honorees, all who have made significant contributions to the University and the JSU National Alumni Association.” Davis said, “I am truly humbled to be recognized by my fellow alumni for my efforts. I love my alma mater, and all that I do is for JSU Thee I Love.”
Professionally, Davis has worked several years for the state and federal government and is currently employed as an associate director for internal communications with the federal government. In this role, she serves on the senior leadership team and is responsible for all internal communications for over 1,700 staff members.
President of JSUNAA Yolanda Owens said, “As one of the hardest working members of the National Alumni Association, Sharon is very deserving of this award. All nominees are vetted through a very strenuous application process, and Sharon’s application stood out because of her depth of service and financial contributions to JSUNAA and the University. I am very pleased that she has been named as the honoree for 2017.”
[dropcap]A[/dropcap]ctively involved in the association, Davis has held several leadership positions. At the local level, she currently serves as treasurer and chair of the scholarship fundraising committee. She previously served two terms as chapter president and is the incoming 2017-2019 president. Nationally, she is past secretary and currently serves as the JSUNAA reporter in which she coordinates the alumni communication regarding University and JSUNAA news and events.
A chair of the public and university relations committee, Davis manages the content for the www.jsunaa.org website and the database used to send all nationwide correspondence. She also supports the secretary in preparing all communication to the JSUNAA executive board and chapter presidents. Davis assisted in the development of the new JSUNAA logo and was part of the strategic planning committees for 2012-2015 and 2015-2018.
Owens said, “Davis is often the person behind the scenes, working quietly to ensure that things are running smoothly.”
In addition to lending her time and talent, Davis is a strong financial supporter of the University and has been recognized for her donations by the JSU Development Foundation. At the national level, Davis actively participated in several fundraisers such as the JSUNAA Custom Tennis Shoe Fundraiser and the Biennial Black Tie Scholarship and Recognition Gala.
At the local level, Davis chaired the annual scholarship dinner dance and later co-founded the TJAM (Tougaloo, JSU, ASU and MVSU) Annual Scholarship Gala. This collaboration of resources helped to reduce expenses and raise more money for the chapter’s scholarship fund at the JSU Development Foundation. She also led the effort on the establishment of the Greater Washington D.C. chapter’s endowment fund.
Additionally, Davis is on the executive board of the Washington, D.C. Metro HBCU Alumni Alliance, Inc. and is its corresponding secretary. Among her peers, she is called the quintessential alumna who unselfishly contributes her time and monetary resources.
“Her dedication and follow through on every single task are qualities that make her well known as a reliable member of our leadership team,” Owens added.