“The Student Scholar,” a statue by the late Dr. Huo Bao Zhu, has been dedicated to the memory of Dr. Fred Davis.

A dedication ceremony was held on Saturday in front of the Troy Campus Library in Lurleen B. Wallace Hall.

Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor, said Dr. Davis embodied the culture of caring for which Troy University is known.

“This is significant because Fred Davis was significant,” Dr. Hawkins said. “There have been very few people in the last 100 years that have made more of a difference at Troy University than Fred. He was Chief Academic Officer, but he was so much more than that. I think we have seen the outpouring of support, love and respect that Fred enjoyed from all those students and colleagues who knew him.”

Known for his tireless commitment to TROY students, Dr. Davis passed away in 2019. Davis climbed the ranks from assistant professor of English to the office of Provost during his 33-plus year tenure at Troy University, touching many lives along the way and inspiring all those who crossed his path.

Dr. Hawkins said the choice to dedicate a statue depicting a student scholar in Dr. Davis’ memory was very appropriate.

“Fred was a very learned scholar. He loved literature, he loved the written word, he was a grammarian,” Dr. Hawkins said. “We thought that something that would reflect his love of learning, the love of writing, and the love of reading would be appropriate. It is a great honor to have something to remind us on a daily basis, not only of the artist Huo Bao Zhu, but particularly of Fred Davis. That is why we made the decision to place the statue in front of the library, a place that he truly loved.”

During his time as a Professor of English Composition and American Literature and Chair of the English and Foreign Languages Department, Dr. Davis worked closely with faculty to establish an emphasis on excellent writing and critical thinking skills as essential elements of successful professional careers. Under his leadership, the University became recognized as one of the best English departments in the Southeast.

Saturday’s dedication ceremony followed the University’s Scholarship Brunch, which has also been named in Dr. Davis’ memory.