(THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — Aug. 28, 2023) Dr. Howard Davis has been named to lead the 22-varsity sport program at California Lutheran University (CLU) as Interim Athletic Director.  

"I could not be more excited to serve CLU in this role, "said Davis. "It is a perfect match of my passion for integrating athletics and academics, my experience in athletics leadership and skills sharpened in collegiate administration. Beyond that, as an alum of CLU and Thousand Oaks resident, I love this university and am honored to serve it." 

Davis joins Cal Lutheran after a professional journey that included leadership positions across the spectrum of academic affairs, student success, and athletics. He most recently served as the Vice President of Academic Affairs at Antelope Valley College (AVC) where he was responsible for all academic matters, more than 75 academic departments, including an athletics program of 16 women's and men's teams.  

"Dr. Davis is a talented administrator who leads with integrity, empathy and courage," said AVC President Dr. Jennifer Zellet. "His service to AVC earned him universal respect and admiration." 

Davis brings to Cal Lutheran extensive knowledge and experience in enrollment management, integrated planning, program development, budgeting, and compliance. His unwavering commitment to equity in higher education and improving outcomes for marginalized students has been his primary focus. He has also championed gender equity at his previous institutions, enhancing programming for women's sports through thoughtful planning and budget alignment.  

"I'm excited for the year ahead with Dr. Davis at the helm of athletics," said CLU Vice President Dr. Matthew Ward. "He joins us at a critical time." 

He has athletic roots in Ventura County going back 35 years. This included serving 10 years as the Athletic Director at Moorpark College before transitioning to Dean of Student Learning for six years with academic affairs and student services responsibilities. Davis was also the founding Athletic Director and Head Basketball Coach at Pacifica HS, serving in that role for seven years.     

A life-long teacher, Davis also teaches in the doctoral and master's degree programs at CSU Northridge's Educational Leadership and Policy Studies program. He holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Redlands, an M.A. in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership from Cal Lutheran. Davis and his wife, Christina have been married 36 years and have three grown daughters and four grandsons.