It is with much regret that the University acknowledges the passing of one of our most beloved and influential leaders, Mrs. Florence (Flo) Novinger Davis. Flo set the standard for what it meant to be deeply committed and supportive of Jacksonville University.
She became the first woman to serve as a JU Board of Trustee and, later, the first woman to serve as Chair of the Board. She served as a Trustee for an amazing 40 years, from 1963 to 2003. Her legacy of leadership includes that of her late husband, Mr. J.E. Davis, who truly knew what it meant to make a difference in the lives of many.
Their philanthropic efforts are unmatched and include the Davis Family’s generous support of the Golden Anniversary Campaign, the President’s Jump Start Initiative and culminating in the monumental challenge gift to the Beyond Excellence Campaign. The family legacy has been carried on by son Dan Davis, who served as a Trustee for 10 years and continues to support the efforts of the University.
Flo, along with her husband, have touched, inspired and made dreams possible for so many deserving students through the establishment of the Davis College of Business, the Friends of the Library, the Friends of the Fine Arts and many other initiatives.
She will be greatly missed by the entire JU community. We wish her family support and comfort during this difficult time.
To read her obituary, click here.
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