Robert O. Davies, PhD

Robert O. Davies served as the 15th president of Central Michigan University from September 1, 2018, through 2025, when he was named President Emeritus and appointed University Professor with the rank of full professor. During his tenure, he guided the university through the COVID-19 pandemic, including a rapid transition to fully remote operations in spring 2020 and extended periods of remote and hybrid instruction. He also led a period of strategic growth and fundraising, highlighted by the early completion of the university’s $100 million “Fired Up for Excellence” capital campaign, achieved three years ahead of schedule. Davies announced his retirement in January 2024 and concluded his presidency on October 31.

Prior to CMU, Davies served as president of Murray State University (2014–2018) and Eastern Oregon University. Over a career spanning more than 30 years, he also held senior leadership roles in university relations, alumni relations and advancement at multiple institutions, including Indiana University of Pennsylvania, University at Buffalo, Boise State University and University of Nevada, Reno.

Davies earned a Bachelor of Science in management from the University of Nevada, Reno, an MBA in finance and marketing from the University of Oregon and a PhD in higher education administration from the University at Buffalo. He also completed the Harvard Institute for Educational Management and participated in executive leadership seminars for university presidents.