Whitworth Welcomes New Associate Vice President of Human Resources
Thursday, June 20, 2019
Whitworth University is proud to announce JaCenda R. Davidson, Ed.D., has been appointed associate vice president of human resources.
Davidson comes to Whitworth from Fisk University, where she was the director of human resources for nine years and most recently served as the vice president and chief human resources officer.
In her new role, Davidson will provide strategic leadership for human resources, working to recruit the most qualified staff and supporting the university community on issues regarding benefits, compensation, wellness and professional development.
“JaCenda brings a wealth of leadership experience in higher education, as well as a commitment to Whitworth’s mind-and-heart mission,” says Larry Probus, Whitworth’s vice president of finance & administration. “The Whitworth community is delighted to welcome her to our family.”
Davidson says her personal philosophy is grounded in the belief that human resources is about understanding people and what drives them. “To understand people, you must first understand their motivations and interests and then have a reasonable opportunity to resolve their challenges,” Davidson says. “Most importantly, once you identify the individual needs and align that with the organizational needs, you produce a positive result for all.”
Davidson is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources through the HR Certification Institute and a SHRM Senior Certified Professional through the Society for Human Resources Management.
Davidson is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is committed to supporting her local community through sisterhood, scholarship and service. She is a licensed Evangelist Missionary in the Church Of God In Christ, and supports the ministry in various capacities from the local to national levels.
The role Davidson is most proud of is that of mother to her 26-year-old daughter, Azaria.
Whitworth would like to thank Dolores Humiston, who will retire in July. Humiston was the associate vice president of human resources for 16 years and will continue to stay active in the Spokane community while serving as chair of the Spokane Teachers Credit Union (STCU) board.
Davidson’s first day will be July 1, 2019.
Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of more than 3,000 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.
