Shreveport, LA, September 10, 2025
News Summary
Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) has officially opened the Davis Family Business Engagement Center, thanks to a generous $500,000 donation from Don and Sallie Davis. This state-of-the-art facility aims to enhance business education and foster connections between students, faculty, and local business leaders. Despite the passing of Don Davis before its completion, the center stands as a testament to his commitment to improving local education. The center features modern amenities and is designed to support collaboration and learning for future business leaders.
Shreveport, Louisiana – The Louisiana State University in Shreveport (LSUS) proudly opened the Davis Family Business Engagement Center on September 8, 2025, following a generous $500,000 donation from Don and Sallie Davis. This new facility, located in the Business and Education Building, aims to strengthen connections between students, faculty, and local business leaders, enhancing educational opportunities within the community.
Don and Sallie Davis’s substantial contribution highlights their commitment to giving back to their hometown of Shreveport through educational philanthropy. Their impact extends beyond LSUS, as both institutions have received an equal donation of $500,000. Sadly, Don Davis passed away prior to the center’s completion, but his legacy will continue through the facility, which embodies his dedication to improving local education.
The Davis Family Business Engagement Center is designed to facilitate collaboration and learning with its state-of-the-art classroom, comfortable seating areas, and an electronic stock ticker. A mural depicting the Shreveport-Bossier skyline, created by LSUS alumna Jacqueline Bacud, adds a local aesthetic to the center, further emphasizing its community roots. Parker Davis, the couple’s son and first student to enroll at LSUS in 1967, humorously reflected on his educational journey, noting it took him seven years to complete a four-year degree, underlining the importance of educational dedication and support.
LSUS stands out with impressive statistics, boasting one of the highest graduation rates and job placement rates for minority and underprivileged students in the United States. The opening of the Davis Family Business Engagement Center further contributes to this success, with over 1,500 students graduating from LSUS in the past summer alone, marking the highest number for any university in Louisiana. This center is not just a physical space; it represents the university’s response to the evolving challenges of higher education and its commitment to student achievement.
LSUS Chancellor Dr. Robert Smith commended the growth of the university amid difficulties faced by many educational institutions today. The center has already been in active use, with students and faculty utilizing the space since the placement of furniture earlier in the semester. It is expected to play a vital role in enhancing educational programs and business education in the region, ultimately helping students advance toward their career goals.
The Davis Family Business Engagement Center is more than an addition to the university; it signifies a bridge between education and the economic landscape in Shreveport, fostering an environment where future business leaders can thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Davis Family Business Engagement Center?
The center at LSUS in Shreveport is a facility designed to enhance business education and foster interactions among students, faculty, and local businesses.
When was the center officially opened?
The center was opened on September 8, 2025.
Who donated to establish the center?
Don and Sallie Davis made a $500,000 donation to fund the establishment of the center.
What features does the center offer?
The center features a state-of-the-art classroom, collaboration seating areas, an electronic stock ticker, and a local skyline mural.
Who was the first student to enroll at LSUS?
Parker Davis, the son of Don and Sallie Davis, was the first student to enroll at LSUS in 1967.
What impact does LSUS have on education?
LSUS has one of the highest graduation and job placement rates for minority and underprivileged students in the nation.
Key Features of the Davis Family Business Engagement Center
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Business and Education Building, LSUS |
| Inauguration Date | September 8, 2025 |
| Donation Amount | $500,000 from Don and Sallie Davis |
| Key Features | State-of-the-art classroom, collaboration areas, electronic stock ticker, mural of Shreveport-Bossier skyline |
| Target Audience | Students, faculty, local business leaders |
| Goals | Enhance business education, foster community engagement |
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Additional Resources
- Shreveport Bossier Advocate
- Bossier Press
- Wikipedia: Louisiana State University in Shreveport
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Business Education
- Google Search: Educational Philanthropy
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.
