Establishment of the Reverend France Davis Endowed Scholarship

The University of Utah is fortunate to call civil rights advocate and humanitarian Reverend (Rev.) France A. Davis alumnus and emeritus faculty. Davis has had an impact on Utah for decades, and even though he is retired as pastor of Calvary Baptist Church, he has not stopped spreading his message of approaching life with a servant attitude and creating unity among all. He has taught many students at the University, participated in countless events on civil rights advocacy and history, given the keynote address at commencement, and the list goes on. Students, faculty, staff, and most of Utah know his name and his impactful messages. These are just a few reasons the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity established an endowed scholarship fund to honor Rev. France A. Davis. Funds from the scholarship will go to support University of Utah students to study and experience the unique aspects of Ghana and West Africa as part of their academic careers.

In March 2023, the Center hosted a partner trip to Ghana with Rev. Davis as a way to raise funds for the scholarship. The trip included many of the sites and experiences students have during their time in Ghana, as part of the Center’s programming in West Africa which includes visiting the Cape Coast area, a tour of Elmina Slave Castle, visiting communities where students have participated in previous and current Health 2 Go (H2Go) projects, and spending time at Zaina Lodge, an eco-tourism lodge located in Mole National Park.

Greg and Melissa Smith joined the trip and spoke highly of their experience and why students should look into these types of opportunities.

Greg, a University of Utah alumnus, noted, “Coming off this experience and growing up in Utah, I did not have anything like this. I think experiences like this make more well-rounded and versed students and future professionals. The world is full of new experiences, and experiences like taking a course with travel to Ghana make students more prepared to handle multiple situations that may come their way in their academic and professional careers in the future.”

Melissa who spent time living in Ghana during her college career echoed Greg’s comments,  saying “This is an opportunity to add a unique experience to a resume. It is a great example of taking risks and stepping outside of the U.S. The experience will open a student up to learning and working with others. Employers want to see these types of student experiences with potential candidates. They help build character and make students more introspective and appreciative of others.”

The trip was just one way to contribute to the establishment of the scholarship in honor of Rev. Davis. Donations can be made on the giving website, payroll deductions, and other giving mechanisms.

Stephen Alder, Executive Director of the Center for Business, Health, and Prosperity said, “We want to make global education more accessible, especially in a place like Ghana where there is so much history and an incredibly bright future. Having the scholarship named after Rev. Davis will further benefit recipients who will have him as an example to follow.”

After experiencing some of the activities students take part in during his March 2023 trip, Davis commented, “Having this scholarship in my name is exciting and makes me feel like I am participating in the formal education of those training at the University of Utah.”

If you are interested in contributing to the scholarship, please visit Eccles.link/davis-scholarship

Further Reading: 

• Student Experiences in Ghana Fall 2022