Janine A. Davidson, PhD, has served as president of the Metropolitan State University of Denver, Colorado’s third largest public university and only access-oriented University in the state, since July of 2017. As president, she is responsible for the University’s strategic direction, financial well-being and daily operations, serving nearly 20,000 graduate and undergraduate students. From March 2016 through January 2017, she served as the 32nd undersecretary of the United States Navy. In that role, Dr. Davidson was responsible for much of the operational and budgetary considerations for the United States Department of the Navy and Marine Corps, including prioritization of research, development and procurement, readiness, modernization and the health and well-being of military and civilian personnel and families. Dr. Davidson's prior professional experience includes Senior Fellow, Defense Policy at the Council on Foreign Relations from January 2014 through March 2016, adjunct Professor at Georgetown University from January 2015 through May 2015, Assistant Professor at George Mason University from August 2012 to January 2014, and various civilian policy positions in the Department of Defense from April 2009 through March 2012. Dr. Davidson began her career as an Air Force Officer, global cargo pilot and aviation and aerobatics flight instructor with the U.S. Air Force Academy. Dr. Davidson brings to our Board over 30 years of academic, civilian and military service, with expertise in the areas of organizational leadership, higher education, defense and public policy.
Dr. Davidson is a fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration and a life member of the Council on Foreign Relations. She is also a member of the Secretary of State’s Foreign Affairs Advisory Board and the Chair of the Secretary of Defense’s Defense Policy Board.