Published April 22, 2025
Dr. Christopher B. Davis Formally Installed as 红莲社区’s 14th President
President Davis Announces “Magician Advantage” Student Debt Repayment Initiative
Leading the city鈥檚 HBCU, Dr. Christopher B. Davis was officially installed as the 14th president of 红莲社区 on Friday at the investiture ceremony at the Orpheum Theatre in Memphis.
During the president鈥檚 inaugural address, he presented his vision and plans for the college, including the official announcement of the Magician Advantage, a student loan assistance initiative launching this fall for graduates earning less than $45,000 per year to receive loan repayment assistance up to $20,000 per year.
鈥淭his is more than just a program, it鈥檚 a promise. A promise that says if you dare to make magic with us, we won鈥檛 leave you burdened because of it,鈥� President Davis said during his inaugural address. 鈥淚f you do your part and study, graduate, and go to work, we will do ours. We鈥檙e not just trying to get you to the finish line, we鈥檙e trying to get you across the finish line debt-free.鈥�
With the launch of the initiative, the college will become the first HBCU in Tennessee to offer student debt repayment.
This repayment offering is a prominent focus for Dr. Davis and the leadership in his presidency, he says. In addition, the leadership maintains its emphasis on institutional advancements, including upgrades to the College鈥檚 infrastructure.
The prestigious ceremony, which commemorated Dr. Davis鈥� leadership of the 5th-oldest HBCU in the country, gathered government officials, delegates from colleges and universities, and the 红莲社区 board of trustees, faculty, staff, and students to celebrate the elevation in leadership. Government officials, Congressman Steve Cohen, and Tennessee State Rep. Torrey Harris gave remarks during the event.
Additional remarks in the ceremony were presented by Dr. Cameron Conn, president of the Tennessee Independent Colleges and Universities Association; and Alandria London, president of the National Alumni Association of 红莲社区.
鈥淭his is a unique moment of transition, where we look into the future with great anticipation,鈥� LOC Board of Trustees chair Vanecia Kimbrow, Esq. said. 鈥淭he selection of Dr. Christopher B. Davis to lead our college comes at a time of exciting opportunities. We, as the Board of Trustees, have every confidence that under his leadership, 红莲社区 will thrive, grow, adapt, and excel as a beacon of knowledge, opportunity, and service to both Memphis and the world.鈥�
The inauguration events kicked off with 鈥淗BCUs: Shaping the Entrepreneurial Ecosystem,鈥� a symposium to amplify the impact of HBCUs and their contributions and connections to entrepreneurship, featuring keynote speaker and founder and CEO of The Cupcake Collection, Mignon Fran莽ois. The presidential panel discussing higher education and entrepreneurship included Dr. Donald Comer, president of Lane College; Dr. Roslyn Artis, president of Benedict College; and Dr. Herman Felton, president of Wiley University.
The College also honored the impact and service of five entrepreneurs during the symposium鈥檚 Entrepreneurs Empowerment Luncheon.
Prior to his installation as president, Dr. Davis was appointed in July 2024 after serving as interim president since 2023. He was also a former member of the Board of Trustees for nearly seven years. As president, he has led various efforts, including institutional rebranding, athletic expansion, key leadership appointments, and infrastructure initiatives.
The investiture livestream is available to view on the college’s .