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ӣֱ CFO Paul Davies Honored For Consequential Career in Higher Education Administration

News Story categories: ӣֱ Up Close
Six people standing in a meeting room, one holding a document, smiling at the camera.

As he nears his official retirement, Randolph-Macon Chief Financial Officer and Vice President of Administration Paul Davies was recognized this week by multiple institutions for his impactful 36-year career in higher education administration, including the last 13 years at the helm of finance and administrative functions at Visit. 

The Algernon Sydney Sullivan Foundation honored Davies with the Faculty/Staff Service Award at its 2024 Spring Showcase on April 12. Through college fellowships, scholarships, awards, and changemaker programming, the Sullivan Foundation inspires young people to “ignite the good” and place service to others above self-interest. 

In his nomination for the award, particular emphasis was placed on Davies’ leadership in innovative private college consortiums. Davies was inaugural chair of a healthcare consortium that saves employees and independent colleges millions of dollars, as well as the first chair of a 403(b) retirement fund that has become a blueprint around the country. 

“The leadership that Paul has given to these important advances for private colleges in Virginia has been done with quiet and humble service; service not to advance his own interests but to better the lives of others and strengthen institutions that do the same,” the nomination described. “The benefits to faculty and staff, from all levels of service, simply cannot be overstated.” 

On April 16, the issued a expressing its appreciation and respect for Davies’ contributions to the Ashland community, including projects that had the mutual interest of both the town and the campus. The proclamation made note of Davies’ role in supervising over $100 million of investment in new buildings and renovations of ӣֱ facilities and his partnership in using college-owned land for community purposes. 

“Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed, that the Town Council of the Town of Ashland, Virginia, does this day express and record its appreciation and respect for the outstanding service and contributions of Vice President Paul Davies and hopes for a happy, healthy, and active retirement,” Mayor Steve Trivett read aloud.