Courtesy: Baylor University, 2014

The Austin Community College District honors the memory of Will D. Davis Sr., one of the seven founders of ACC and leader of the college’s first Board of Trustees.

“Mr. Davis dedicated his life to excellence in education,” says Dr. Richard Rhodes. “He was a devoted friend to the college and a mentor to generations of students, alumni, and faculty.”

Davis passed away at the age of 87 on December 12, 2016.

“Will dedicated himself to the Austin community and was a lifelong supporter and advocate for education,” says Allen Kaplan, chair of the ACC Board of Trustees. “Fond memories are what we have of our friend and colleague.”

Davis served three terms as chair of the ACC Board of Trustees and remained a board member for 10 years from 1972 to 1982.

“I am so grateful to have known and worked with Will Davis in the early years as we established Austin Community College,” says Dr. Barbara Mink, a founding ACC administrator and the current secretary of the ACC Board of Trustees. “We on the Board are truly fortunate to be able to build on his legacy.”

Under Davis’ leadership, ACC enrollment surged to 20,000 students. Today, ACC is one of the largest community colleges in Texas, serving more than 76,000 students annually.

The college extends its gratitude and deepest sympathies to the Davis family who celebrated his life Thursday, December 15. His family requests that memorial contributions be made to Austin Christian Fellowship, the Davis Endowment Fund at Baylor University, or to the charity of your choice. His full obituary may be found here.

Tags: Board of Trustees, Will Davis Sr.