The Voices & Views of ASU: Jordan Davis – From Student to Servant Leader

Jordan Davis, Student Leadership and Development Coordinator at Albany State University (ASU) and a proud alumna of 2020 has been serving the institution for two years. A native of Lithonia, Georgia, Davis has had a deep passion for education from a young age —and now, she’s living out that passion on the very campus that helped shape her.

Her dedication extends beyond the classroom and into supporting the holistic needs of students, ensuring that they thrive as individuals and leaders.

 What first brought you to ASU, and what has kept you here over the years?
I first heard about Albany State in high school through Georgia College 411, a program that let you apply to multiple colleges. My mom, who had a friend that spoke highly of the university, secretly submitted my application. She later encouraged me to attend an open house, and I agreed.

A few nights before the visit, I had a vivid dream of the pedestrian walkway I’d never seen before. When I arrived on campus, it was exactly what I’d dreamt. Even more surreal, the Holley Ambassador leading our tour was named Jordan and shared my intended major, Middle Grades Education. That day, I also learned that my application was accepted. Everything felt so aligned. I knew ASU was where I was meant to be, and I graduated summa cum laude in 2020.

After teaching eighth grade mathematics at Merry Acres during the pandemic,  I earned my master’s from the University of Georgia (UGA). During that time, I realized I wanted to serve students beyond the classroom — to understand who they were beyond their test scores and grades. I returned to ASU working for Educational Talent Search. From there, I was promoted to my current role where I oversee the needs of various students and student-based organizations.

What keeps me here is the former motto, “Potential Realized,” because it speaks to my entire journey. I want to pay that forward to other Golden Rams.

Since you have always wanted to be an educator, what inspired that decision?
I am a bit of a nerd. I have always loved school, but more than that, I am passionate about mentorship and growth through education.

Is there a particular place on campus that holds special meaning for you? What makes it stand out?
The Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA) plot is such a special place for me. I crossed at ASU, and it holds some of my best memories of sisterhood.

Another favorite of mine is the bridge. I’ve always loved the inscriptions on either side: ‘A Past to Cherish’ and ‘A Future to Fulfill.’ As a Holley Ambassador, I loved explaining its symbolism on tours. It represents the legacy, as we stand on the shoulder of the giants who came before us and the responsibility we carry to shape the future. It’s a powerful reminder of who we are.

Can you share a moment that made you feel that you are exactly where you were supposed to end up?
It was during that first tour when the Holley Ambassador introduced herself as Jordan and shared my same intended major. That moment was surreal. Whether coincidence or divine alignment, I knew this was where I was meant to be.

Have you witnessed or experienced a moment of kindness, support, or connection on campus that stayed with you?
Our team member’s mother passed away and our entire department and even students attended the service. It was a real moment of togetherness. Not everyone can say their co-workers feel like family and truly mean it. That moment showed that our bond goes beyond these four walls. We are truly a RAMily.

What’s one interaction with a student that reminded you why you do the work you do?
Students often email me or gift me notes to thank me, and they mean so much. One student emailed me and a few of my colleagues recently to express the impact we had on them this year. Moments like that bring us to tears. They remind us that everything we are doing here matters and it is appreciated.

If you could preserve one thing about this campus just as it is, what would it be and why?
First and foremost, I would preserve the AKA plot and Hall 5. I’ve made lifelong friends and gained incredible mentors in those places. One mentor is Interim Provost Dr. Rhonda Porter. I met her my freshman year when she was the Dean of the College of Education. She was not my professor, but she helped me with my class schedule each semester, wrote my recommendation for AKA, attended my luncheon and welcomed me with open arms when I crossed. She did it all out of kindness, and I can never thank her enough.  

If I could keep something from the past, it would be Holley Hall. I took so many classes in there. I will never forget my former English teacher, Professor Andre, who inspired me to become a writing tutor on campus.  And of course, the amazing Dr. Vijay Kunwar, who still teaches mathematics at the university, had a big impact on me.

When you reflect on your time here, what does ASU mean to you—beyond your job title or daily role?
The best way I can describe it is in a metaphor. To me, ASU is like a slingshot. Before a slingshot launches, it pulls back. That pullback is the process, reflecting on all you’ve learned, the ceremonies, and the challenges you’ve overcome.

Then, at commencement, you are launched. You are fully equipped to thrive and make a difference. That is exactly what ASU has done for me—it has prepared me both academically and for life.

Jordan’s story is a testament to what it means to be called to a place—not just to learn, but to grow, lead, and give back. From a dream that led her to Albany State University to a purpose that brought her back, she continues to pour into students the same hope, guidance, and belief that once shaped her own journey.