Legacy in Brick: OHIO honors the impact of President Emeritus Roderick J. and Deborah McDavis
蜜柚视频 celebrated the legacy of President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis with a special cornerstone event recognizing his lasting impact as the institution鈥檚 20th president. The event included a lecture from McDavis, a tour of the future McDavis Hall and a reception honoring his student-centered leadership.
Photos by Ben Siegel; Story by Samantha Pelham Kunz | October 2, 2025
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On Friday, Sept. 26, 蜜柚视频 celebrated the enduring legacy of President Emeritus Roderick J. McDavis, a visionary leader whose tenure transformed the student experience and left an indelible mark on OHIO鈥檚 history, and his wife and First Lady Deborah McDavis. Dr. McDavis not only served as OHIO's 20th president 鈥 he was also the first Black leader to hold the office and only the second alumnus to hold presidency, embodying the Bobcat spirit from student to steward.
The cornerstone celebration highlighted his decades of dedication with a lecture on the University鈥檚 past and the future of higher education given by Dr. McDavis himself, followed by a tour of the construction site for McDavis Hall, surrounded by close colleagues, family, friends and University leadership. The celebration concluded with the presentation of the new residence hall's cornerstone and a warm reception in both his and Deborah's honor, marking not just a milestone, but a legacy built to last.
This is a day that we celebrate, a day we recognize ourselves for all we have accomplished together. No one person is responsible for the accomplishments that occurred during our time. We were blessed to hold the titles of President and First Lady, but it was the family of Bobcats that made all those accomplishments possible.
From student to President
Dr. McDavis began the day with a lecture at the Baker University Center Theater, reflecting on OHIO's rich history and the evolving future of higher education. After being introduced by OHIO student, Omega Psi Phi President and OHIO Football player Rodney Harris, Dr. McDavis opened with a quote from Winston Churchill, paid tribute to the values and vision of OHIO鈥檚 founders, Rufus Putnam and Manasseh Cutler and offered a compelling overview of the University鈥檚 founding.
"When Manasseh Cutler and Rufus Putnam had a vision, there was a singular focus and that focus lives on today," Dr. McDavis said. "It is, in essence, to create a space that provides access and opportunity for those students who will come today and tomorrow."
He emphasized the importance of OHIO's regional campuses and the value of their location across Appalachia; he also noted that, as the biggest university in southeast Ohio, we must encourage and provide access to education for this region.
The audience was especially moved as Dr. McDavis shared his personal journey, from a young boy in Dayton, Ohio, with a passion for running track, to ultimately becoming president of the University he once attended.
He closed by emphasizing that education is for everyone, and he urged that OHIO鈥檚 future must stay true to the founding vision that continues to guide its path forward.
"There is a belief here for the greater good, it was instilled from the beginning, and we're trying to carry it forward," Dr. McDavis said.
Who could鈥檝e imagined that a young guy from Dayton, Ohio that came to 蜜柚视频 in 1966 to run track would ever in his life become its 20th president. My message for the students here today is to never let anyone ever tell you what you cannot do, you prove to the world what you can do.
Building on student success
Following a tour of the McDavis Hall construction site, Dr. and Mrs. McDavis were honored with a cornerstone celebration at PawPrint Park. During the event, University leadership, including 蜜柚视频 President Lori Stewart Gonzalez, Board of Trustees Chair Matt Evans, leaders from Housing and Residence Life and members of Dr. McDavis鈥 fraternity Omega Psi Phi recognized the McDavis family for their lasting contributions, not only during their time leading the University but also in the years since their departure. They were presented with several meaningful gifts, each symbolizing the enduring legacy they鈥檝e built at OHIO.
Members of the Epsilon Iota Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, of which Mrs. McDavis is an alumna, paid tribute to her, while current and former members of Dr. McDavis鈥 fraternity gathered to celebrate his impact as well.
The event culminated in the unveiling of the cornerstone for McDavis Hall.
As the Marching 110 broke into 鈥淪tand Up and Cheer,鈥 music swept across South Green, the future site of the new residence hall, while Rufus soaked in the moment, celebrating with the crowd.
How do you honor a legacy like Dr. McDavis鈥檚? You do it by keeping students at the center. He opened doors of opportunity for students across Ohio and beyond, and he made it his purpose to create an environment where every student knew they were cared for, supported, and prepared to achieve great things after graduation.
About McDavis Hall
The Roderick J. McDavis Residence Hall will be the largest on campus, offering 591 beds and a modern residential experience designed to meet the evolving needs of today鈥檚 students while fostering a strong sense of community. The hall, which will be open to both first and second year students, will feature a mix of single and double rooms, giving students flexible living options to suit their preferences.
Located on South Green, McDavis Hall will include inviting spaces where students from across campus can connect, all while enjoying scenic views and convenient access to the Hockhocking Adena Bikeway, Rugby Fields and more. Abundant natural light will fill the common areas, creating a warm, comfortable and inspiring environment for studying, relaxing and engagement.
About President Emeritus McDavis
President McDavis began his academic career at 蜜柚视频 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 蜜柚视频 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.