Kelvin Davis, director of student business services at Delta State University, made Mississippi Business Journal’s “Top 50 Under 40” in business for 2019. A double graduate of Delta State—B.S. in political science in 2007 and MBA in 2009—and an expert in financial aid and account receivable modules, he joins rising stars from law offices, banking and finance, medical fields, utilities, governmental entities, social services, and other outreach sectors cited for making significant inroads for their employer and their industry across the state.
The accolade doesn’t surprise his supervisor, Jamie Rutledge, vice president for finance and administration at Delta State. “Kelvin Davis has exceeded expectations in every aspect of his job duties since he was hired as director of student business services,” said Rutledge. “He is the ultimate team player and is always bringing innovative ideas to the table. He is a very trustworthy and loyal employee and just a joy to work with.”
As director of student business services, Davis manages the university’s accounts receivable, cash handling, Campus Card program, Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act program, Federal Perkins Loan program, and all third-party payments. Davis also serves as DSU’s liaison for food service and the bookstore and handles their related multimillion-dollar contracts.
Davis began his career as a financial aid counselor at Delta State for two years, then worked at Mississippi Valley State University and Southwest Tennessee Community College, before returning to Delta State in 2015 as director of student business services. He has more than a decade of experience administering federal Title IV student-aid programs. Davis also is a 2018 graduate of the Leadership Bolivar County and a second-year resident of the College of Business Management Institute, co-sponsored by the Southern Association of College and University Business Officers and the University of Kentucky.
“It is truly a blessing to be recognized with this honor by the Mississippi Business Journal,” said Davis.
He is an active member of Delmar Avenue Church of Christ in Ruleville and father of two adopted sons and two granddaughters.
