Erroll B. Davis (E 1965)

2021 Founders Medal of Honor
2004 Alumni Distinguished Service Award

Bio

With a long and distinguished career in energy and education, Erroll B. Davis, Jr. has dedicated his expertise and time to serving others. Following his graduation from Carnegie Tech in 1965, he rose through the energy leadership ranks, starting as vice president of finance and eventually becoming CEO and president of Wisconsin Power and Light Company. From there, Erroll was named president and CEO of WPL Holdings, which eventually became Alliant Energy Corporation. Throughout this time, he used his leadership platform and skills to open doors to education for generations of students. 

In 2006, he became chancellor of the University System of Georgia where he was responsible for approximately 300,000 students and 40,000 faculty and staff​ spread across 35 colleges and universities. Prior to his retirement in 2014, he spent three years as the superintendent of the Atlanta Public Schools system​ where he had to resolve the largest cheating scandal in US educational history. Through many roles, he demonstrated his commitment to ensuring that education systems work for all students. The Public Broadcasting System, Union Pacific Corporation, PPG Industries​, BP and General Motors Corporation are just a few of the many boards to which Erroll has given his time. From 2004 to 2008, he served as a member of the United States Olympic Committee supporting U.S. Olympic teams. Today, Erroll continues to serve on the Board of Councilors of The Carter Center and the Board of the Chautauqua Foundation.

Erroll has been a lifetime member of the Carnegie Mellon Board of Trustees since 1989, and also served as chairman of the board from 2000 to 2004. Since 1986. he and his wife Elaine have awarded numerous scholarships to deserving students through the Davis Family Foundation, one of the ways he is supporting CMU’s educational mission, advocating for students and supporting efforts to make education more accessible.