November 9, 2021 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu
April Davis has a wealth of human resources experience. From employment preparation to recruitment; from support services to career guidance, she’s done it all. What is she looking forward to most about her new role at the Arnold School? Pulling it all together as the Director of Human Resources.
“The most attractive part of my position is that I serve in a generalist human resources role at the college level,” Davis says. This means she will be supporting faculty, staff, students and job seekers with a wide range of human resources needs. Like her predecessor, David Shin (who retired in September), Davis is the school’s go-to person for all human resources activities
“We are so fortunate to have April Davis join the Arnold School," says Lee Pearson, Associate Dean for Operations and Accreditation. "Her extensive experience and strong campus connections will enable her to be immediately effective in her role, and her passion for helping others is a perfect fit with the mission of public health.”
After growing up in Columbia, Davis graduated from Richland Northeast High School. Since then, she has earned bachelor’s (sociology) and master’s (human resource management) degrees and amassed 15 years of experience as a human resources professional.
A dozen of those years have taken place at UofSC. Up until now, Davis has worked under the umbrella of the university’s central human resources group, with her varied experiences centered on TRIO and Equal Opportunity Center programs, operations and services, and talent acquisition/dual career employment. After being hired as a student services coordinator in 2009, she progressed through the ranks to become a manager and now a director.
“My career in human resources is very gratifying and allows me to see transition, growth and development in employees, processes and systems,” Davis says. “My past personal and professional experiences have led me to my current role with the Arnold School.”
As director, Davis’ day-to-day activities include planning, coordinating and managing human resources activities for the school. She also serves as a resource for all administrators and human resources contacts on best practices and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, policies and practices. Davis will remain in close contact with the central group, facilitating transactions and processes as a liaison between the Arnold School and the Division of Human Resources.
“The root of my actions has always been to help people discover or pursue their purpose, and I have always found success and reward in helping others in completing a goal or task,” Davis says. “I am eager to continue to learn, grow and aid the college with my knowledge of human resources best practices. The Arnold School of Public Health has a phenomenal group of faculty, staff, and students, and I look forward to continuing to have a positive impact on the University of South Carolina.”
Davis will also represent the Arnold School as a member of the newly created UofSC Staff Senate. Working closely with the Staff Senator Dwaun Sellers, Davis will advocate for the environment, safety, interests, community engagement and development for Arnold School staff. Off campus, she continues to spend time with family, swim and serve the Columbia community she has known her entire life.
The Staff Spotlight Series is sponsored by the Arnold School's Office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.