Students Have Ally, Cheerleader in LaTisha Davis
Thursday, July 28, 2022
LaTisha Davis may have a business card that says Rockhurst University Director of Multicultural Belonging and Engagement, but her role can be simplified to one thing for students: She’s here to be your person if you need one.
Everyone needs a support system and to feel like they’re included, and before she was the University’s first director of the office, Davis was a first-generation student from a marginalized background trying to fit in at Wichita State University.
Davis’s support system came in the form of an intercollegiate dance team and a faculty mentor.
“I remember how important that was to me,” she said. “I needed a person that I trusted and could go to and confide in when I needed, and I was fortunate enough to have that in my advisor. I encourage all students to find a place that they feel is safe and someone that they can trust on campus.”
Davis’ primary goal since starting the role in April is getting to know students – and let them know she’s available for them.
“Finding their person, finding their community, that's essential. My office is definitely a safe space. I can be a sounding board if needed because some students may just want to vent, and don't necessarily need to be told what to do. I’m here to support and advocate on their behalf.”
Davis came to Rockhurst from the University of Kansas, where she was an associate director and has experience in academic advising, recruiting, student program development, and retention work with students from marginalized groups, students from high financial need households, and those who are first-generation college students.
She chose to work at Rockhurst because it aligned with her personal values, passion, and beliefs.
“I think what excites me the most is this is a new position, and it came out of Rockhurst’s commitment to DEIB (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging), so I’m really excited to be a part of an opportunity to foster belonging and engagement and diversity on campus,
as well as create awareness, understanding, and to support student populations who are currently and historically marginalized and underserved. I want to create a culture on campus that is truly a home for all – I know that is the mission of Rockhurst.”
Davis makes a habit of attending campus and off-campus events to support students and student groups, and meeting with student groups and staff for listening sessions. She is currently creating the foundation for a new DEIB training structure and programs for the future.
“Everyone is at a different level when it comes to their knowledge around cultural competency, diversity, privilege, microaggressions and unconscious bias. If we could continue to build on those and not just offer the basic trainings, that is a goal of mine.”
Davis has already implemented the Hawk Scholars program for new students as a bridge between high school and college.
One of the first Hawks Davis met was Bri’Yanna Merrill, president of the Black Student Union for the 2021-2022 academic year and next year’s Student Senate president. Merrill was part of Davis’s interview process before being offered the job.
“I felt like she was just perfect for this position,” Merrill said. “Whenever you're meeting people, you can see genuineness and passion and I saw that in her. I'm just so excited for her to be here and what she’s going to do at Rockhurst.”
“My office is in Massman 1, right to the left as you come in – you can't miss me,” Davis said. “We usually have lots of candy and food around so stop by and get a snack. Students are free to email, text me (816-602-3528), call me – reach out!”
