Tennessee State University has announced the death of Dr. Ivan Davis, Sr., the long-time medical director of the university’s student health care system. He was 79.
“We are wrapping our hearts and minds around the unexpected death of Dr. Ivan R. Davis, Sr., an amazing husband, father, grandfather, loved one, and friend to so many,” tweeted his son Ivan Davis, Jr. “Thank you all for your love of our father and support of our family.
Dr. Davis passed a day before his 58th wedding anniversary with his wife Elizabeth Davis.
Raised in Nashville on the Tennessee A&I (TSU) campus, Dr. Davis is also the son of the institution’s second president, Dr. Walter S. Davis, who led the university from 1943 to 1968.
Dr. Davis was among the top African-American leaders in the Nashville medical community. He completed his residency training in surgery at Meharry Medical College in 1980 and established a general medicine and surgery practice.
“Dr. Davis was TSU through and through and was committed to serving the university and students not only in his capacity as a medical director but also as a father figure and mentor to hundreds of individuals who crossed his path,” said TSU President Glenda Glover. “He ran the TSU Health Center during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and is the main reason the university had such a low number of cases among universities in the state. dr. Davis will be truly missed for his professionalism, knowledge, and passion for his alma mater.”
