Widener has renamed the lower-level University Center lounge in honor of Michelle Meekins-Davis, the university’s vice president of inclusion and belonging. The change was announced during Homecoming weekend, during a student block party held in the University Center, to Davis’ surprise.

Vice President of Student Engagement and Transformation Fred McCall announced the space will now be known as the Michelle M. Davis Belonging Lounge, in recognition of Davis’ role as a powerful advocate and steadfast pillar of care for Widener students for over 20 years. The lounge bears a plaque in dedication to her.

Davis was the founding director of the university’s Multicultural Student Affairs Office, known now as the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging, and was Widener’s first full-time chief diversity officer. She launched initiatives including the 1821 Experience Pre-Orientation Program, the PRIDE Mentoring Program and her collaborative efforts with students created the We’re All Widener pluralism campaign, cementing her legacy as a leader for inclusion.

“She leads with wisdom, with her faith and with integrity,” McCall said. 

President Stacey Robertson also spoke.

“There are few women in my life who have had more influence than Micki Davis and I'm not unusual on this campus. There are literally thousands and thousands of faculty, staff and, most importantly, students, who have had their lives transformed because of Micki's love, her faith, her wisdom and her grace. We are all so grateful to her. This dedication is the least we can do,” she said.

Davis expressed her surprise and gratitude with emotion. She began her work as a part-time employee at Widener more than 30 years ago. It was supposed to be for one year.

“I thank God for all of you. I cannot even say the words. I am overwhelmed by the dedication of this very special place,” Davis said. “Thank you so very much from the bottom of my heart.”

Note: Visit this giving site to celebrate Davis and provide additional resources to the Office of Student Inclusion and Belonging, in support of their work to ensure all students at Widener feel welcome and seen.

Share link: https://www.widener.edu/news/noteworthy/student-lounge-named-beloved-administrator