By University Communications
Thursday, 11 30 2023

SAN ANTONIO — Texas A&M University-San Antonio is pleased to announce that Dr. Emma Savage-Davis is joining the University as the new dean of the College of Education and Human Development.

With more than 25 years of experience in education, Savage-Davis currently is the dean of the College of Education, Leadership Studies and Counseling at the University of Lynchburg in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Savage-Davis starts her new position Jan. 1, 2024. She replaces Dr. Amy Lewis, professor of management
in the College Of Business who has served as interim dean since January.

Savage-Davis holds a Doctorate in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University, a Master of Science in Education from Chicago State University and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University. She has taught in higher education in Virginia, Tennessee and South Carolina, and began her career in the Chicago Public School system, where she taught English as a Second Language.

“I am so appreciative and grateful to be a part of such an extraordinary faculty and staff,” Savage-Davis said. “Texas A&M University-San Antonio has such a rich history, culture and pride in its students, faculty, staff and community. My life’s work and passion for education align well with the University’s strategic and transformative mission and focus.”

Savage-Davis is a member of the Association of Teacher Educators and serves as the director of the association’s Dr. W. Robert Houston Leadership Academy, a program that develops leaders in education and teacher education. She has also served as the past president of the Association of Teacher Educators; the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators; and the South Carolina Professors of Middle-Level Education.

In addition, Savage-Davis is a Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation site visitor and Team Lead and Association for Middle-Level Education SPA Reviewer, and has been a National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grade Reform Schools to Watch Program Reviewer in Virginia and South Carolina. She is a member of the Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi.

“I’m thrilled to have Dr. Savage-Davis join A&M-San Antonio as our new dean of the College of Education and Human Development," said Dr. Mohamed Abdelrahman, provost and senior vice president for academic affairs and professor of engineering sciences. “She brings to the University a proven track record of helping students and communities succeed. I'm confident she will use her impressive background and experience to enhance the University's educational opportunities and bolster our completion rates of baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. As Dr. Savage-Davis readies to start her new position, I'd like to personally thank Dr. Amy Lewis for her service as interim dean of the College of Education and Human Development. The college is better positioned for the future because of her leadership during this transition period."

As an educator whose research interests include best practices for meeting diverse learning needs and equity and access to education, Savage-Davis said she is looking forward to collaborating across the University to support educators in their mission to develop high-quality teachers and leaders to meet the needs of the growing San Antonio community.  

“I am excited to join a team of committed and passionate educators and leaders who can envision the possibilities for the University and its students,” she said. “The faculty and staff are already doing great work, and I am ready to support them and work with them to maintain a high-quality education for all students at the University.”

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About Texas A&M University-San Antonio

Established as a stand-alone university in 2009, Texas A&M University-San Antonio is a comprehensive four-year public university that reflects the culturally diverse, heritage-rich community it serves. Situated on nearly 700 acres in South San Antonio, the University offers 39 undergraduate degrees and 23 graduate degrees to about 7,620 students. A&M-San Antonio is home to the Henry G. Cisneros Institute for Emerging Leaders and the Cyber Engineering Technology/Cyber Security Research Center. The University holds the Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) designation and is one of 39 higher education institutions in the U.S. to have received the Seal of Excelencia certification from Excelencia in Education for its support of Latino student success. More than 77 percent of A&M-SA students identify as Hispanic, and approximately 72 percent are the first in their families to attend college. A&M-San Antonio is a military-embracing institution; the University was recently awarded the 2023 Gold Veteran Education Excellence Recognition Award (VEERA) from the Texas Veterans Commission. Visit tamusa.edu for more information. #onamission