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Matthew Davis, director of Georgia College and State University’s (GCSU) historic museums, was awarded the Outstanding Leadership Award, April 21.
“Receiving the award was a very nice surprise,” said Davis. “It is a high honor to be recognized and I hope to continue to expand and grow our resources in The Department of Historic Museums.”
The Department of Historic Museums is part of GCSU’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies. The department has three museums under it: The Sallie Ellis Davis House, Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion, and Andalusia Farm. In an interview last year with The Baldwin Bulletin, Davis stated the three locations bring more than 15,000 visitors to campus and Baldwin County each year.
Davis is known officially as the director of historic museums but also serves as chief curator. His duties include oversight of the historic properties, managing staff, research and curatorial work, educational programming, fundraising and management of the Watson-Brown Foundation Junior Board of Trustees, Milledgeville Chapter.
“I began working in the museum industry in 2000 and have served in a variety of positions including director, curator, education director and as a front-line interpreter, which is where I began,” said Davis.
In 2008, Davis founded the Milledgeville Museum Association and served as president from 2008-2011 and from 2014-2016. He also began working at GCSU as an adjunct instructor of history in 2008, a role he continues in today. In 2009, Davis became the curator of Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion and from 2011 to 2012, worked as an adjunct professor of history. At the same time (2011-2012), Davis was the director of the Hay House in Macon, a National Historic Landmark.
“I left my position at the Hay House in 2012 and was promoted to director of Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion and The Sallie Ellis Davis House in 2013, which I remained until 2018 when I was designated the director of historic museums,” said Davis.
According to Executive Director for the School of Continuing and Professional Studies Angela Criscoe, Davis has continued to elevate the programs and resources of the museums. “He is an excellent steward of these unique locations and the resources provided to preserve and exhibit collections for visitors near and far,” said Criscoe. “He elevated Andalusia from a local museum to a National Historic Landmark and his leadership efforts to provide details and advocate for this historic landmark awarded GCSU with the recognition of a National Historic Landmark last year.”
Davis’ efforts for the college and the preservation of history go beyond campus grounds, too, Criscoe added.
“Matt holds leadership roles that help him advance his knowledge and GCSU status within the community and beyond. He serves as the vice president of the Southeastern Museums Conference and serves as the chair of the evaluation committee and co-chair of the Mid-Career Professionals committee of SEMC,” said Criscoe. “He is also a frequent guest speaker and presenter at museum conferences nationwide. He is truly making a large impact.”
Despite being a native of Kinston, N.C., Davis has always been rooted in the Baldwin County community. He received his education at Georgia College & State University, graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in history in 2002 and two years later with a Master of Arts in history with a concentration in public history.
While earning his bachelor’s degree, Davis also worked at Georgia’s Old Governor’s Mansion.
“I have been a part of the GCSU family for an extended period and working with GCSU’s museums I have kept my vision open of what we could do for each of our sites. Through that, I’ve developed a leadership style I feel is open, warm, and collaborative,” said Davis.
Davis credits GCSU historian Dr.
Bob Wilson, former director of the band department Dr. Todd Shider, Criscoe, his family and many friends for helping him become who he is today and supporting him as he continues to lead.
“History is a lens that lets us reflect on the good and bad of the human experience. Helping to preserve our history is something very important to me,” said Davis. “I hope to continue to improve our museums and continue to teach our students and the wider community.”