[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 85 (Friday, June 18, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1173]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                IN MEMORY OF DR. LAWRENCE A. DAVIS, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 2004

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of a 
devoted and well-respected Arkansan, Dr. Lawrence A. Davis, Sr. Known 
as Prexy to close family and friends, Dr. Davis passed away on 
Saturday, June 5, at the age of 89. His deep devotion to higher 
education and to the well-being of everyone around him, particularly 
his students, leaves a legacy that will live on for generations in the 
lives he touched.
  A native of McCroy, Arkansas, Dr. Davis graduated magna cum laude in 
1937 from Arkansas AM&N in Pine Bluff. He went on to receive a master's 
degree in English from the University of Kansas and a doctorate in 
educational administration from the University of Arkansas.
  Dr. Davis spent most of his career at Arkansas AM&N, where he served 
as an English professor, registrar, dean, and assistant to the 
president. In 1943, at age 29, Dr. Davis became president of AM&N, 
making him the youngest college president in the Nation. Thirty years 
later, he oversaw the merger of Arkansas AM&N with the University of 
Arkansas education system, creating the University of Arkansas at Pine 
Bluff, and became the school's first chancellor. His son, Dr. Lawrence 
A. Davis, Jr., has followed in his father's footsteps and serves as the 
current UAPB chancellor.
  Under Dr. Davis' leadership, the institution experienced substantial 
growth in enrollment, academic programs, faculty, and expansion of the 
physical campus. Believing that every person has the right to receive a 
college education, Dr. Davis inspired and helped countless students who 
had limited resources to complete their degrees and go on to accomplish 
great things.
  Serving his community and improving the lives of others were life-
long commitments of this compassionate and diligent leader. Dr. Davis 
was a member of numerous community and university committees.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Dr. Davis' family, friends, and 
colleagues, to whom I extend my deepest and sincere sympathies. May his 
legacy endure in the many lives that he touched and inspired.

                          ____________________