Alumna Sheerah Davis (BBA, ‘98), Springdale, Arkansas, will deliver the commencement address Saturday, May 13, 2023, at Freed-Hardeman University, according to FHU President David R. Shannon. FHU’s graduation exercise is set for 10 am in Loyd Auditorium.
With 25 years of human resources experience, Davis is the Global HR Lead and Chief People Officer for Dentsu Sports International, Incorporated, a global sports business network. She is responsible for designing and leading people strategies and programs globally. Prior to this role, Davis was the U.S. Sports and Entertainment HR lead for Dentsu International, where she led human resources for various sports and entertainment businesses within the Dentsu Network. Overall, she has worked for Dentsu for the past 11 years.
During her career, Davis has worked in various industries including distribution, healthcare and public relations and marketing and has had the opportunity to directly support leading industry brands such as Disney, Walmart, Goldman Sachs, Nissan, Goodyear, Toyota and others.
As an FHU student, Davis was active in a variety of areas across campus. In 1997-98 she was elected FHU Homecoming Queen in the fall and selected as Miss FHU in the spring, becoming the first Black student at FHU to receive both honors. Davis loves to sing, as evidenced by her participation in the FHU Chorus, the Ambassadors and Makin’ Music, FHU’s annual musical extravaganza that features a cast of hundreds of students. Sheerah was a Chi Beta Chi cast member for three years and a hostess in 1998.
Both of Sheerah’s parents, James (A.A. ‘70) and Sandra Chisholm Hudley (A.A. ‘68) of Farmington, Arkansas, are also FHU alumni.
Davis has been married for 23 years to Dr. Coby Davis (‘99 B.S.) principal of Archer Learning Center in Springdale, Arkansas; their daughter, Shelby, will graduate from high school this year. Sheerah is an active member of the Center Street Church of Christ in Fayetteville, Arkansas, where she routinely leads teen girls’ classes and assists with women’s Bible studies, fellowship programs and youth events, such as Lads to Leaders.
Active in many professional activities, Davis has also served on the board of directors for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children) of Northwest Arkansas. Currently, she is a board member for Workmatters, a nonprofit organization that focuses on transforming the workplace by equipping Christian leaders to integrate their faith at work.
The mission of Freed-Hardeman University is to help students develop their God-given talents for His glory by empowering them with an education that integrates Christian faith, scholarship and service. With locations in Henderson and Memphis, FHU offers associates, bachelor’s, master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees.