By Hazel Scott/ASU
The children of two unwavering Alabama State University alumni, the late Warren L. Davis, III, and Dr. Tyna D. Davis, wanted to show appreciation for their parents’ higher educational experience by creating a lasting legacy in their honor that helps future students with similar backgrounds access the same opportunities.
The Mr. Warren L. Davis, III and Dr. Tyna D. Davis Endowed Scholarship is considered an "endowment" because the initial donated money is invested, and a portion of the investment returns are used each year to award scholarships, allowing the fund to grow over time. In other words, an endowed scholarship is a gift that keeps giving.
Dr. Wartyna Davis said she and her brother, Dr. Warren L. Davis, IV, decided to honor their parents after their father died in 2024 so they could continue to help ASU trailblazers realize their dreams.
“We know that Alabama State is a gem in the state of Alabama and has produced some of the most incredible graduates and alums. We wanted to find a way to honor our parents that is consistent with their lives and invest in the future of ASU students. That’s what their whole career was about-- investing in young people,” said Dr. Wartyna Davis. “ASU graduates are transforming lives across the country. So, it’s important that we keep investing in the institution.”
To qualify for the scholarship, undergraduate students majoring in mathematics or science must demonstrate academic merit and financial need. Preference will be given to those students with the greatest financial need.
“Our parents valued education. We were blessed to have intellectually curious parents who instilled that curiosity in us. Our parents majored in math and science, and we thought supporting students in these majors might help them reach their personal goals,” said Dr. Warren Davis, IV.
The late Dr. Warren Davis earned his B.S. degree in Mathematics with a minor in History, and Dr. Tyna Davis earned her B.S. degree in Science with a minor in Mathematics from ASU. She also was one of the first graduates of ASU’s doctoral degree program in Educational Leadership Policy and Law.
Wartyna Davis said establishing the scholarship was something she and her brother had thought about even before her father’s death. “When Dad passed, it all crystalized at that moment as if to say instead of flowers, as a community, let’s all invest in something that will keep moving and keep giving as we move forward.”
Dr. Tyna Davis said she is honored by her children’s gesture and agreed to establish the endowed scholarship.
“It’s important that those coming after me are afforded the same opportunities,” Dr. Davis said.
She recalled her husband’s career that spanned more than 50 years.
“He embodied commitment, dedication, and love in his role as a public servant, educator, and administrator. He was an exceptional assistant principal at Georgia Washington High School, Jefferson Davis High School, George Washington Carver High School, and principal at Dunbar Elementary, McIntyre Junior High, and Houston Hills Junior High School. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.”
Though Dr. Tyna Davis retired in 2013 as Manager of the Education Policy and Professional Practice and Human & Civil Rights Division of the Alabama Education Association, she remains intricately involved in education policy at the state and local levels.
In her 50-plus career, she has served as President of the Alabama Education Association; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.; The Montgomery Chapter of The Links, Incorporated; the CARATS, Inc.; Alabama Center for Law Related Education; Alabama Association of Classroom Teachers; the Montgomery Association of Classroom Teachers; and the Montgomery County Democratic Party. She was the Chair of the Task Force for Educational Leadership Policy and Law (ELPL) Scholarship Program for Alabama State University; Founding Chairperson of WAVE (Women Advocating Voter Empowerment), Montgomery, Alabama; and Chairperson, NETDAYS Committee Alabama. She also is a former member of the Alabama State University Foundation Board. Dr. Davis is a renowned Professional Registered Parliamentarian (PRP) and serves many organizations at the local, state and national levels. For her outstanding contributions to Education, an annual award bearing her name was established in 2014 by the classroom teacher division of the Alabama Education Association. Dr. Davis has received numerous awards throughout her stellar career.
Dr. Tyna Davis encourages alumni to give back to the University at whatever level works best for them.
“The University does a great job preparing its students for careers, and it is so important that we give back, when possible, so other people can have the same opportunities we had,” Dr. Davis said.
To donate to the Mr. Warren L. Davis, III and Dr. Tyna D. Davis Endowed Scholarship, visit https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/MrandDrDavis.
To donate to Alabama State University, visit www.alasu.edu/giving or to establish a scholarship, call 334-229-5620.