Shreveport, LA, September 10, 2025
News Summary
The Davis Family Business Engagement Center at LSU Shreveport was inaugurated on September 8, marking a significant addition to the university’s resources. Funded by a $500,000 donation from Don and Sallie Davis, the center promotes collaboration between students, faculty, and local business leaders. It features advanced facilities such as a lounge, electronic stock ticker, and classroom for educational events. The center aims to enhance students’ learning experiences and better prepare them for future job opportunities while preserving the legacy of its benefactors.
Shreveport Celebrates Opening of Davis Family Business Engagement Center
The Davis Family Business Engagement Center at LSU Shreveport was officially opened on September 8, 2025, marking a significant contribution to the university and its community. This facility, designed to promote collaboration between students, faculty, and local business leaders, was made possible by a generous donation of $500,000 from Don and Sallie Davis.
Located in the Business and Education Building at LSUS in Shreveport, Louisiana, the center features a modern lounge, an electronic stock ticker, multiple monitors, and a full-size classroom designed for events and educational activities. This facility aims to enhance the educational experience and community ties while also preparing students for future job prospects.
Among the attendees at the opening was Parker Davis, who holds the distinction of being the first student to register at LSUS in 1967. Parker humorously reflected on his own educational journey, which took him seven years to complete a four-year curriculum, underscoring the university’s commitment to student growth and persistence.
Don Davis, a notable alumnus of Byrd High School in Shreveport and Texas A&M University, had a distinguished career, eventually serving as the president and CEO of Rockwell International following its acquisition of Allen Bradley. Although Don passed away prior to the center’s completion, his vision to give back to his hometown is evident in this initiative, which serves as a lasting legacy for future generations.
Parker Davis emphasized that the donation symbolizes the family’s desire to enhance educational opportunities and provide local students with better job prospects. This aligns with LSUS’s reputation for having one of the highest graduation and job placement rates for minorities and underprivileged students in the United States.
Laura Perdue, the executive director of the LSUS Foundation, described the center as a manifestation of the university’s progressive trajectory and the invaluable contributions of visionaries like Don Davis. The center has already seen use by students and faculty since its facilities opened, further indicating its immediate impact on the academic community.
Dr. Mary Lois White, dean of the LSUS College of Business, noted that the engagement center is essential for fostering study and business interactions, enhancing the overall educational environment. The center also includes a mural designed by LSUS alum Jacqueline Bacud that showcases the Shreveport-Bossier skyline, creatively merging local culture with academic engagement.
LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith highlighted the university’s rapid growth, especially within its business programs, signaling a strong commitment to providing students with the skills and education necessary for future success. This year, LSUS celebrated its highest graduation numbers, with more than 1,500 graduates recognized, the highest from any university in Louisiana.
Key Features of the Davis Family Business Engagement Center
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Location | Business and Education Building, LSUS |
| Donation | $500,000 from Don and Sallie Davis |
| Facilities | Lounge, electronic stock ticker, monitors, full-size classroom |
| Objective | Foster interaction between students and business leaders |
| Notable Alumnus | Parker Davis, first LSUS student |
| Graduation Rate | One of the highest for minorities and underprivileged students |
FAQ
What is the Davis Family Business Engagement Center?
The Davis Family Business Engagement Center is a facility at LSU Shreveport aimed at fostering interactions between students, faculty, and local business leaders.
When was the center officially opened?
The center was officially opened on September 8, 2025.
How much was the donation for the center?
The center was funded by a generous donation of $500,000 from Don and Sallie Davis.
What facilities are available in the center?
The center includes a lounge, an electronic stock ticker, monitors, and a full-size classroom.
Who was recognized at the opening of the center?
Parker Davis, the first student to register at LSUS in 1967, participated in the opening celebration.
Why is the center significant?
The center represents a commitment to improving educational opportunities and job placements for students, particularly those from underrepresented groups.
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Davis Family Business Engagement Center Opens at LSU Shreveport
- Wikipedia: LSU Shreveport
- Bossier Press: LSUS Davis Business Engagement Center Celebrates Grand Opening
- Google Search: Davis Family Business Engagement Center LSU Shreveport
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Economic Report Shows Ups, Downs, and a Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Engagement Centers
- KSLA: Mikaylah Williams, Adrian Peterson, Stromile Swift Help Open New Business in Shreveport
- Google News: Davis Family Business Engagement Center
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate: Home Rental Rates Are Higher
- Google Scholar: Davis Family Business Engagement Center
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
