The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences recently named Andy Davis, vice chancellor of institutional relations and a former state representative, chief transformation officer at the university.
“As a former business owner and state legislator, Andy has a great deal of experience leading strategic initiatives and collaborating with people and groups on a variety of issues,” said Dr. C. Lowry Barnes, interim chancellor. “I really look forward to working with Andy in this new role. He has a genuine commitment to UAMS and a knack for seeing the big picture when making decisions. His inclusive approach to solving problems, congeniality and ability to work with anyone have earned him the respect of many across our institution and state.”
As CTO, Davis will lead the establishment and execution of a 100-day plan that will serve as a roadmap to drive university-wide changes that will enable financial growth, operational efficiency and culture change. He will collaborate with senior leadership, students and employees to assess change readiness and identify transformation opportunities. He will also ensure that the 100-day plan is aligned with the goals and objectives in UAMS’ Vision 2029 strategic plan.
Davis will take on the role in addition to his current position as vice chancellor of institutional relations, a job he began in 2022. Prior to joining UAMS, he served as general manager at Periscope Holdings’ ARBuy, the electronic procurement system for the state of Arkansas. Before that, he led New Water Systems, a company he founded in 2003.
A native Arkansan, Davis spent eight years in the Arkansas General Assembly, where he represented portions of Pulaski and Saline counties. During that time, he served on numerous key committees, including joint budget, education, House rules, and state agencies and governmental affairs. He was appointed by then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson to the highway funding workgroup and the government transformation advisory board.
Davis earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in civil engineering from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville . He is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas, a fellow of the Delta Leadership Institute and a 2020 inductee to the Arkansas Academy of Civil Engineers. He and his wife, Haley, have three children.
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