WCU Stories      March 31, 2025

By Bill Studenc

A behind-the-scenes tour of Western Carolina University's aging athletics facilities inspired a longtime supporter of the university’s academic programs to direct some of his philanthropy toward Catamount student-athletes.

John E. Davis, a 1987 graduate of WCU with a bachelor's degree in English, and spouse Melanie have made gifts and pledges totaling $50,000 to the university’s “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive fundraising campaign and its focus on improvements to athletics facilities.

A resident of Milton, Georgia, who has enjoyed a successful career in the medical device industry, Davis said he was moved to make the financial commitment after getting a first-hand look at the state of spaces used by WCU student-athletes.

“I had the opportunity to tour some of our athletics facilities such as locker rooms, strength training facilities and coach’s offices. It was clear that improvements were needed and that little money was available from standard university budgets as allocated by the state,” he said.

“There is nothing better than a beautiful fall football Saturday in Cullowhee, but it’s made so much better when the Cats look great and roll over the opponent. Attracting the type of athletes we need to consistently make this a reality takes investment in facilities, as we are competing with other Southern Conference schools that made this a focus years ago,” Davis said. “However, we have something very important that those schools can’t build –  the beautiful mountains that surround our campus. If we just level up on the facilities side, the sheer beauty of our campus will definitely tip the scales in our favor.”

Currently chief commercial officer at Artivion, which specializes in technologies to treat aortic disease, Davis became a fan of Catamount sports during his time as a WCU student. That passion has continued as an alumnus.

“I was fortunate to attend WCU during an athletics high point. The football team was a powerhouse and went to the national championship my sophomore year. Those seasons provided great memories and lots of interesting road trips. The baseball and basketball teams were also competitive during this time,” he said.

“As an alumnus, it was great following Catamount football players from those years in the NFL. Clyde Simmons, who played 15 years mostly for the Eagles, and Dean Biasucci, who played 10 years for the Colts, are two of the most prominent examples,” he said.

Davis said that he hopes his recent gift toward athletics renovations will result in consistently competitive teams and student-athletes who have a sense of pride based on the quality of their facilities and the support they receive from the university.

“Athletic success affects every Catamount. Alumni, students and faculty all have an enhanced sense of pride. It is the one thing that excites and unites all generations of Catamounts and inspires alumni to return to campus,” he said.

A successful intercollegiate athletics program also has an impact on enrollment because prospective students want a university experience that includes high-quality athletics, Davis said.

“We know that exposure gained through athletic success leads to increased student applications. This leads to a greater number of qualified students and ultimately a positive impact on admissions. While athletic success can greatly affect academics, the reverse is not true,” he said. “Academic scholarships are vital to the university but have little impact on attracting athletes who are focused on athletic scholarships and facilities. If you are an alumnus looking to make an impact on the overall quality of the university, you must consider athletic success as a key catalyst to academic success.”

Although spouse Melanie is not a WCU alumna, graduating instead from the University of Tennessee, she said that she is glad to join her husband in providing philanthropic support to his alma mater.

“I am from Western North Carolina, and I have a great appreciation for what this university brings to the area. Over the years, as John and I have returned for various events, I have been welcomed by so many as part of the Catamount family. Sports were a huge part of my growing up and my college experience, and we want to see every student have the opportunity to share in successes that athletics bring to a university,” she said.

“Whether you are a student-athlete, a member of the band or chorus, or love getting together with your friends, a sporting event brings people together. Having facilities that student-athletes want to come be a part of is vital in being successful,” she said.

Davis has contributed to WCU consistently since 1993, including support for the Sigma Phi Epsilon Scholarship Fund, the Department of English and the David Belcher College of Fine and Performing Arts.

“My initial support of Western was focused on the academic side. There were two professors who had a great impact on my life early in my time at Western. Dr. Bill Higgins and Dr. Dennis McKevlin inspired me academically while also taking an interest in me as a person,” he said. “I established a scholarship in their names to express my appreciation for their encouragement, guidance and ultimately friendship.”

Created through more than $25,000 in gifts from the Davises, the William R. Higgins - Dennis J. McKevlin Endowed Scholarship provides financial support to WCU juniors and seniors majoring in English.

John Davis is a former member of the WCU Foundation Board of Directors and the Brinson Honors College Advisory Board, and he and Melanie Davis both serve on the “Fill the Western Sky” campaign steering committee.

Both Davises said they actively encourage other WCU alumni and friends to participate in the fundraising effort.

“WCU has a chancellor, staff and faculty that are totally committed to every student becoming the best person they can be.  Every coach and student-athlete gives tirelessly of themselves for their craft and their love of this university, and we need to support them having facilities that make them the best they can be,” she said.

From his vantage point while serving on the Foundation Board, John Davis said he knows that the university is a good steward of the money contributed by donors.

“If you are giving to virtually any other charity or cause, a percentage of that money is used to support the organization. I am aware of several truly high-quality organizations that spend 10 cents of every dollar on administrative fees, and this is considered outstanding in the charity world,” he said.

“There are few other places you can give your resources and be assured that every penny is going to help student-athletes and ultimately everyone associated with the university. The full impact of every dollar you pledge will be transferred to making things happen on campus. I like the way that makes me feel and I hope others will feel the same,” he said.

The Davis gift is part of the “Fill the Western Sky” comprehensive campaign, which recently entered its public phase. The campaign is an effort to raise a minimum of $100 million for the university’s academic, student engagement and athletics programs. For more information or to make a contribution to the campaign, visit WesternSky.wcu.edu, call 828-227-7124 or email advancement@wcu.edu.