Cleary University appoints Christopher Davis as Chief Academic Officer

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 
February 10, 2026
 
Cleary University appoints Christopher Davis as Chief Academic Officer
 
(HOWELL, MI) Alan Drimmer, PhD, president of Cleary University, is pleased to announce the appointment of Christopher Davis, PhD, to the newly-created position of Chief Academic Officer, effective immediately.
 
Dr. Davis brings almost 30 years of higher education leadership experience to Cleary, with a distinguished career spanning academic affairs, institutional effectiveness, accreditation, and strategic planning. Prior to joining Cleary, he served as Vice President of Academic Services and Quality at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where he was responsible for executive leadership across accreditation, compliance, registrar services, assessment, market research and academic innovation.
 
In his new role at Cleary, Dr. Davis will provide strategic oversight for all academic programs, faculty, curriculum development, and accreditation efforts, while advancing Cleary University’s mission to deliver career-focused, student-centered education with a strong return on investment.
 
“Chris is a highly accomplished, visionary leader who brings to Cleary a rare combination of academic rigor, strategic foresight, and deep operational expertise that will help further strengthen our university’s academic quality, expand our innovative programs and ensure our students are fully prepared to thrive in an evolving workforce,” says Dr. Drimmer. “He has a reputation for maximizing the growth and development of organizations of higher learning through his thought leadership, expertise in institutional research and effectiveness, and demonstrated success in fostering a culture of collaboration and achievement.
 
“As Cleary University progresses rapidly toward its next phase of growth and new opportunities for our students, visionary leaders like Chris will help guide us thoughtfully, strategically and
with accountability and clear direction as we prepare for academic expansion, enrollment momentum and campus development,” Dr. Drimmer adds. “The new leadership model we have adopted better positions Cleary for continued growth and sustainable success.”
 
“I am honored to join Cleary University at such an exciting time in its evolution,” announces
Dr. Davis. “I am impressed with Cleary’s strong reputation for outcome-driven education, and I look forward to partnering with faculty, staff and leadership to support student success, academic excellence, and continued innovation.” Dr. Davis earned a PhD from the University of Michigan, along with multiple graduate degrees in education, psychology and business. He also served as a trustee of Cleary University.

His previous senior leadership positions also include: President and Provost at Western International University in Tempe, Arizona; Vice Provost at Colorado Technical University in Schaumburg, Illinois; and Vice Provost of Institutional Effectiveness at National Louis University in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Davis also worked at Baker College in Flint for 10 years, serving in a variety of leadership positions. He has extensive experience as an accreditation peer reviewer and has served on national boards focused on higher education quality and innovation.
 
About Cleary University
Founded in 1883, Cleary University is a four-year, private, nonprofit accredited university, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees from a unique Business Arts curriculum, and
driven by a faculty of thought leaders with deep, practical experience in their industries. Offering on-campus and online education models, Cleary provides a robust athletic program of 22 sports and a rich residence life with nearly 200 students living on the quiet, rolling 50-acre campus. Cleary graduates tend to land jobs faster than their peers and with higher earning salaries at the start of their careers.
 
Cleary University

• Ranked #1 in Michigan for ROI among private, nonprofit business schools 

• Ranked #3 in Michigan for best average starting salary two years post-graduation
• Ranked #1 in Michigan for earnings one year after graduation and 10 years after graduation for a degree in business
• Ranked #4 Best College for Business in Michigan
• Top 200 in America for best private college

 

• One of the lowest tuition rates in Michigan among private colleges (#5 in Michigan)
• Earned Gold Level Veteran Friendly status four years in a row from The Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency (MVAA) for continued excellence in serving military-connected students in Michigan
• Named “Best for Vets College four years in a row by Military Times

For more information about Cleary University, visit cleary.edu.

MAIN CAMPUS // 3750 CLEARY DRIVE, HOWELL MI 48843
DETROIT EDUCATION CENTER // 2470 COLLINGWOOD ST, DETROIT, MI 48206
CLEARY.EDU. 800-686-1883