Psychology alumnus appointed Vice Chancellor of HR at Minnesota State

By: Sara Banton
Creative Services Student Writer

Eric Davis (’93) has had a long career that has taken him along many paths—from the Air Force, to the Minnesota Department of Transportation, to his current job as Vice Chancellor of Human Resources (HR) at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities, which is the fourth largest system of state colleges and universities in the U.S. “I’ve enjoyed a career in service to world-class organizations with missions that have inspired me,” he said. “But it all started with a world-class education at JMU.”

When Davis first stepped on the JMU campus in 1989, he was confident that he wanted to study communications and work in the news industry; yet during the class selection process, he found that he was drawn to psychology courses. He took this as a sign and made the switch to the psychology major.

He served with the Psychology Peer Advising program and as a Student Ambassador. These positions taught him valuable leadership skills that helped create a foundation he continues to build upon in his current role.

Davis also recalls the opportunities he had to collaborate with his professors, even as an undergraduate. “JMU faculty are clearly committed to teaching as their top priority,” he said.

“When I studied psychology, I thought about maybe going to grad school, or studying to be a social worker or a counselor,” Davis said. “Instead, I chose to join the Air Force. They cast me in HR and I’ve built a career in it.” After his active duty service, Davis transitioned into the Air Force Reserve while in Minnesota and started his career at the Minnesota Department of Transportation in the HR department. He was later selected as HR Director and eventually as the agency’s Chief of Staff.

He recognized that the biggest struggles he has faced stemmed from the transition points in his career. The initial transition from the Air Force to civilian life was a big adjustment. “The rules that military members follow, concerning personnel management and human resources, are not the same rules for outside of the military. That transition took time. It was humbling, having to basically start over,” he said.

In October 2018, the Board of Trustees of Minnesota State Colleges and Universities named Davis to serve as Vice Chancellor Human Resources. In this role, Davis provides support and guidance to all campus HR offices and oversees the HR division. This includes the system’s 30 colleges, seven universities and 54 campuses.

“The challenge draws on so many professional and personal experiences and not any one past role,” Davis said. “That is the real value proposition of a liberal arts education like I received at JMU. It prepares you to adapt and work through challenges—even while you are gaining experience on the job.”

“My JMU education helped prepare me not just for my career, but for a fulfilling life,” Davis said. “Enjoy your time at JMU and learn all you can. Don’t feel like you have to have it all figured out before you graduate… I never took a class in human resource management either as an undergrad or as a graduate student. Yet, all of my education has helped me in my career.”