WVU alumna to deliver fourth annual Black History Month lecture

Statler College alumna Azaleah Davis will deliver this year’s Black History Month lecture on February 7 from 12-1:00 p.m.

In honor of Black History Month, the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources at West Virginia University will host its annual lecture series. Statler College alumna Azaleah Davis will deliver this year’s lecture, “Inspiring Generations to Come,” via Zoom on February 7 from 12-1:00 p.m. Pre-registration is required.

Story by Kaley LaQuea
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Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources

“This seminar will present Azaleah’s journey from academia to becoming a successful professional,” said Cerasela Zoica Dinu, associate dean for students, faculty and staff engagement and seminar moderator. “Students that have direct access to alumni like Azaleah can realize the opportunities and resources that are available to them.” 

Davis, born and raised in West Virginia, received a bachelor's in biomedical engineering with a minor in Chinese studies from WVU.

"I decided to become an engineer because I value satisfying the needs of others. In order to do that, it takes design methodologies, considering needs and the engineering principle of problem solving and experimentation,” Davis said. “An engineer dedicates their work to bettering the world around them any chance they get. That's the kind of thinking that I have when it comes to real-world issues and where I can step in.”

During her time at WVU Davis not only excelled academically, she was active as a Statler College ambassador. She was also a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, the American Councils Study Abroad and a Chinese tutor.

After her time at WVU, she moved to Nashville in 2021, where she is an operations supervisor at Nashville International Airport managing air cargo operations for Amazon Air.

“I have seen how my skills and educational experience have equipped me to serve my community and improve the education system during a time of crisis,” Davis said. “Stepping back from a mindset focused on a 'degree' and the 'expected' path that an engineer should follow to be considered successful allows for the opportunity to be flexible, to become a solution, to serve people and above all else, to make a difference."

Statler College’s Black History Month Lecture is part of the Distinguished Lecture Series. Now in its fourth year, the series features engineers and professionals with significant contributions in their field, creating a forum to inspire and support future engineers. 

This year, WVU’s student chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Learn more about the April event on the website.

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