Kelly Davis, executive director of development for the College of Medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences, is one of six University of Tennessee Foundation, Inc. (UTFI) employees honored with a 2026 UT Foundation President’s Award. Davis received the award during a presentation at UT Health Sciences’ Memphis campus on Tuesday.
The award recognizes outstanding achievements by advancement staff in promoting the services of UTFI, an interdependent nonprofit that raises financial, public and political support for the University of Tennessee system. Recipients are nominated by their peers.
Known for his dedication to colleagues, alumni, donors and improving healthcare across Tennessee, Davis credits the people who surround him, including his wife, April, and their two daughters, for keeping him grounded and motivated.
“I’m fortunate to not only meet some of the kindest, most caring and dedicated people in the world but to work alongside a talented Advancement team,” he said. “We are deeply committed to serving our constituents and advancing the mission of the university while looking out for each other. They are much more than colleagues; they are like family.”
Hitting It out of the Park
Davis joined the Advancement team more than 13 years ago and helped launch the institution’s regional development program before joining the College of Medicine’s development team in 2017. Since then, he has worked closely with alumni, faculty, students, trainees and community partners to support education, research and patient care through philanthropy.
A graduate of UT Martin, where he played baseball, Davis came to Memphis in 2004 to earn a master’s degree from the University of Memphis. His career path took him from athletic media relations and alumni relations to development, where he found a passion for connecting donors with opportunities to make a lasting impact.
“I’m honored to play a small part in helping enhance healthcare for our communities,” he said. “There are few things that are more important than that.”
Colleagues describe Davis as a collaborative leader and trusted teammate whose commitment extends beyond fundraising.
“His role is being that person, that individual, who goes out and builds those relationships and … puts time and talent into making those relationships work for UT Health Sciences,” said Charley Deal, vice chancellor for Advancement at the UT Institute of Agriculture and former interim vice chancellor for Advancement at UT Health Sciences. He has known Davis since he was a student-athlete at UT Martin.
Davis remains grateful for the opportunity to support the people and mission of UT Health Sciences.
“If you’re having a hard day or feeling frustrated, go spend some time with our students,” he said. “It will restore your faith in humanity.
“They remind us why this work matters.”