Dr. Emma M. Savage-Davis

Dr. Emma M. Savage-Davis assumed the role as the Dean of the College of Education and Human Development in January 2024. As Dean, she brings unwavering passion and purpose to advancing an impactful, inspiring, and student-centered education, one that shapes compassionate leaders, innovative educators, and dedicated professionals ready to uplift communities, transform lives, and provide enriching educational experiences for all.

Dr. Savage-Davis has had a distinguished career as an educator, scholar, advocate, and administrator. Dr. Savage-Davis began her career as a high school teacher and athletic coach in the Chicago Public School system in Chicago, Illinois. Most of her teaching experience was in an ESL high school. Dr. Savage-Davis earned her Doctorate in Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Illinois State University, a Master of Science in Education from Chicago State University, and a Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University.

Dr. Savage-Davis has taught at the higher education level in several states, which afforded her the opportunity to learn, grow, and develop through the ranks of faculty and administration. Dr. Savage-Davis has held numerous roles beyond being a professor and administrator which provided programming that directly enhanced and impacted community, schools, and underrepresented populations. Prior to arriving at A&M-SA, Dr. Savage-Davis was the Dean of the College of Education, Leadership Studies, and Counseling at the University of Lynchburg in Virginia. Dr. Savage-Davis also served in various leadership roles and as a faculty member at Coastal Carolina University in South Carolina; Longwood University and James Madison University in Virginia; and East Tennessee State University in Tennessee.

She has been an active member of many educational organizations at the state, regional, and national levels. She has been a member of the Association of Teacher Educators (ATE) for over 30 years. Dr. Savage-Davis serves on standing committees, task forces, and commissions. She currently serves as the Director of the ATE Dr. W. Robert Houston Leadership Academy, a program designed to develop leaders in education and teacher education. Dr. Savage-Davis was the 2014-2015 President of ATE and served as a College/University representative on the ATE Board of Directors.

Dr. Savage-Davis’ experience in an active professional career has afforded her many opportunities and experiences to learn, grow, share, and lead at the local, state, regional, national, and international levels. She is the past president and a Board of Directors member of the Southeastern Regional Association of Teacher Educators (SRATE) and South Carolina Professors of Middle Level Education (SCPoMLE). Dr. Savage-Davis has served as a Site Visitor and Team Lead for the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), an Association for Middle Level Education (AMLE) SPA Reviewer, and a National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grade Reform Schools to Watch Program Reviewer in Virginia and South Carolina. Dr. Savage-Davis was initiated and remains a member of Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society and the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi. Dr. Savage-Davis is honored to be selected as a cohort member of Deans for Impact as well as a Board Member of Crosspoint Inc. in San Antonio. She is a proud lifetime member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated.

Dr. Savage-Davis’ current research interests include the best practices for meeting the varied learning needs and interests of all learners; access to uplifting and empowering educational opportunities; and high-quality teacher preparation and pathways into K-12 teaching.

Dr. Savage-Davis is extremely proud of her daughter and her son-in-law, who is an active member of the United States Air Force. Dr. Savage-Davis is excited to be a member of the A&M-SA community and a resident of the Southside of San Antonio.