09 April 2025 2 minute read
As we celebrate Founders Day — a time to reflect on more than 140 years of Black womanhood, scholarship, and service — we are excited to honor one of our most esteemed faculty members, Marilyn A. Davis, Ph.D. Joining the Spelman family in August 1981, exactly a century after Spelman College’s founding in 1881, Dr. Davis has been a source of wisdom, justice, and academic excellence for over four decades.
Dr. Davis, a tenured associate professor of political science, has been a mainspring of the political science department and once served as the chair. A proud graduate of Hampton Institute, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science summa cum laude, Dr. Davis later received both her M.A. and Ph.D. from Atlanta University. Her academic journey paved the way for a career dedicated to venturing into the complex intersections of race, gender and politics. She is also chapter advisor for the Pi Sigma Alpha National Honor Society, Gamma Lambda chapter.
A scholar and educator, Dr. Davis’ research concentrates on on electoral behavior, with a special focus on the role of African American women in Georgia’s congressional and state legislative politics. She also dissects how mainstream media depict Black women in the political sphere — an area that continues to be deeply relevant in today’s climate sociopolitically. Her scholarship has been published by both HarperCollins and Worth Publishers, lending insight to national conversations and elevating the voices of Black women in political discourse.
But Dr. Davis’ impact goes far beyond the page. She is a mentor, advocate and example for Spelman students from a multitude of generations.
Camille Young, a senior political science major reflects:
“She is truly a living legend!” says Camille Young, a senior political science major and 2023-2024 White House HBCU Scholar. “She holds so much wisdom if you are patient enough to be still and read between the lines. Dr. Davis is an advocate in and outside of the classroom and I honor her commitment to Spelman.”
Jillian Collier, a sophomore political science major, shares:
“Dr. Davis is an incredible professor — graceful, approachable and deeply invested in her students' growth. Her ability to meet students where they are, combined with her legal expertise and leadership as a Black woman, has made her political science classes invaluable to me.”
Kylar Gray, a senior political science major and editor-in-chief of Spelman’s "Blueprint newspaper," reflects on the transformation she experienced in Dr. Davis’ classroom:
“Her passion for her work and dedication to educating students about the political climate and its impact on us and our campus is truly inspiring. Before taking her class, I never realized just how passionate I was about politics. Through her teaching, I’ve developed a deeper appreciation for the subject.”
Laila Johnson, sophomore sociology and anthropology major remembers:
“I only had one of her classes — National U.S. Government,” recalls Laila Johnson, Spelman Speech and Debate Team Captain, “but she’s a very knowledgeable, funny, and dedicated professor who doesn’t shy away from using her class time to provoke critical conversations!”
Aziyah Harps, a junior political science major and Social Justice Fellow adds:
“Dr. Davis is a dedicated professor in our political science department who goes above and beyond to support her students. Her passion for education and commitment to our success make a lasting impact, and we’re so grateful for all she does.”
As we honor the trailblazers who established the groundwork of Spelman College in 1881, we are equally pleased to honor those who have proceeded to build upon that legacy. Dr. Marilyn A. Davis is one of those torchbearers — enlightening the path for Black women scholars, leaders, and changemakers for generations to come.
Happy Founders Day, and thank you, Dr. Davis, for your unwavering service, scholarship, and spirit.