Shenandoah University announced the passing of its former, longtime president James A. “Jim” Davis in a press release Friday.

Davis served as SU’s president from 1982 to 2008. He died peacefully on Oct. 7, the release states.

He was 80 years old.

SU was called Shenandoah College and Conservatory when Davis became its 15th president, and he “led the institution through tremendous growth during one of the most pivotal eras in its 150-year history,” the release states.

“Jim was an extraordinary and transformative leader whose vision and dedication changed countless student lives, built a strong Shenandoah, and lifted up Winchester,” stated current SU President Tracy Fitzsimmons. “He inspired students and faculty to dream bigger, challenged them to learn and teach with integrity, and he bu

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