Within the Nashville medical community, Dr. Ivan Davis was a top-notch figure embraced for his skills and long-standing service to Tennessee State University.
TSU’s long-time medical director of Student Health Services, Dr. Davis died last Sunday, Aug. 21 He was 79.
“Dr. Davis was TSU through and through and was committed to serving the University and students, not only in his capacity as the medical director but also as a father figure and mentor to hundreds of individuals who crossed his path,” said TSU President Dr. Glenda Glover.
“He led the TSU Health Center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and is the primary reason the University had such a low number of cases among universities in the State,” said Glover.
“Dr. Davis will truly be missed for his professionalism, knowledge, and passion for his alma mater.”
After leaving his private practice, Dr. Davis served as the medical director at TSU for nearly 40 years.
In 1980, Davis completed his residency training in surgery at Meharry Medical College and established a general medicine and surgery practice.
Raised in Nashville on the campus of then-Tennessee A&I (now TSU), Dr. Davis was the son of the institution’s second president, Dr. Walter S. Davis, who led the University from 1943 to 1968.
Dr. Davis and his wife, Elizabeth Davis, were married for 57-plus years. He died one day before their 58th wedding anniversary.
Dr. Davis was a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.
He also leaves a son, Ivan R, Jr.; daughter, Ivanetta Davis (A. Dexter) Samuels; grandson, Adrian Davis Samuels; brother, George T.T. Hughes; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors has charge.
