Erroll B. Davis Jr. lived a life marked by exceptional leadership, unwavering integrity, and institutional transformation. A historic trailblazer in both American business and public education, his strategic brilliance left an indelible mark on the nation and the state of Georgia.
A native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Erroll earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1965 and an MBA in Finance from the University of Chicago in 1967. He quickly rose through the corporate ranks, making history as the first Black leader of a Business Week 1,000 company. Over nearly three decades in the energy sector, he served as President and CEO of WPL Holdings and later as the Chairman and CEO of Alliant Energy, a multibillion-dollar utility company. His corporate expertise earned global recognition, leading to appointments to the boards of directors of General Motors, Union Pacific Corporation, and the U.S. Olympic Committee.
His dedication to higher education spanned decades and regions. Erroll served as a member of the University of Wisconsin System Board of Regents from 1987 to 1994 and as Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Mellon University, where he was a lifetime member.
In 2006, Georgia was fortunate to welcome his visionary leadership when he assumed the role of Chancellor of the University System of Georgia. In this capacity, he skillfully guided the growth of the state’s now 25 public colleges and universities, advocating for hundreds of thousands of students, faculty and staff. Following his tenure as Chancellor, he answered the call to public service once again, serving as the Superintendent of Atlanta Public Schools from 2011 to 2014, working with deep integrity to restore stability and refocus the district on student success.
Throughout his distinguished career, Erroll was widely recognized for his trailblazing achievements. He was named one of the “50 Most Powerful Black Executives in America” by Fortune, one of the “Top 50 Blacks in Technology,” and was honored as the national “Black Engineer of the Year” in 1988. Locally, he was consistently recognized among Georgia Trend’s “100 Most Influential Georgians” and the Atlanta Business Chronicle’s “100 Most Influential Atlantans.”
While his professional contributions were vast, Erroll’s heart was rooted in his family and his desire to uplift others. He was the devoted husband of Elaine E. Davis, the loving father of Christopher and Whitney Davis, and shared a cherished bond with his granddaughter, Alexus Davis, and great-granddaughter, Arielle Davis. Believing deeply in the power of education, Erroll and Elaine established the Davis Family Foundation in 1986 to provide annual academic grants to students in need. His legacy also lives on through the Alliant Energy Erroll B. Davis Jr. Achievement Awards, established in 2006 to champion underrepresented undergraduate students in engineering and business.
Erroll was a man of quiet strength, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to his loved ones and community. The Board of Regents, the USG Foundation Board of Trustees and Chancellor Perdue are deeply honored to name Erroll B. Davis Jr. the recipient of the 2026 Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award. His beloved wife, Elaine, accepted the award on his behalf, celebrating a legacy that will continue to inspire future generations.
Robert W. Hagan | Valdosta State University
Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Earl Jones, Sr. | Fort Valley State University
Deborrah Layman | Augusta University
Sanford and Barbara Orkin| University of Georgia
John D. Stephens | Georgia Gwinnett College
Kurt Stuenkel | Georgia Highlands College
Charles “Skip” Vaughan | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Dr. Peggy Brickman | University of Georgia
Dr. Jason J. Delaney | Georgia Gwinnett College
Dr. Kerri Shelton Taylor | Columbus State University
Dr. Deborah South Richardson | Augusta University
Dr. Deborah Wissner | Columbus State University
Dr. Cassie Mitchell | Georgia Institute of Technology
Don L. Waters has dedicated his career to both business and community, leaving an indelible mark on education and healthcare in Georgia. His exceptional contributions will be celebrated tonight as he is presented with the Elridge McMillan Lifetime Achievement Award at the Board of Regents’ Scholarship & Awards Gala.
A distinguished leader, Waters served on the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia from 2013 to 2022. During his tenure as both Vice-Chairman and Chairman, he provided critical guidance for the state’s public universities. Notably, he spearheaded the initial discussions that led to the significant consolidation of the Augusta University Health System with Wellstar, a move with far-reaching positive implications for healthcare delivery.
His passion for education is further exemplified by his role as a Founder of the Savannah Classical Academy, a K-12 public charter school serving a high percentage of Title I qualified students. The Waters family’s deep commitment to educational advancement is also evident through their endowment of The Waters College of Health Professions at Georgia Southern University. Beyond these initiatives, he has consistently supported critical educational and healthcare programs, including his service as a Trustee Emeritus of the University of Georgia Foundation, serving on the Board of Directors of the Georgia REACH Foundation, and as a past Vice Chairman of the University System of Georgia Foundation, where he helped provide needs-based scholarships for students statewide. His philanthropic efforts consistently focus on ensuring access to quality education and preserving healthcare for those in need.
Waters has garnered numerous well-deserved recognitions for his extensive service. In 2025, Georgia Southern University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate of Letters. He received Commendations from Governor Brian Kemp and the Board of Regents in 2023, the same year he was honored with Georgia Southern University’s highest distinction, The President’s Visionary Award. Further accolades include the Leadership Legacy Award from the Southeast Georgia Leadership Forum (2023), the University of Georgia’s Blue Key Service Award (2019), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Savannah Chapter of the NAACP (2017). In 2013, he was inducted into the Junior Achievement Savannah Business Hall of Fame.
Beyond his educational and healthcare contributions, Waters maintains an active role in civic life. He currently serves as a Trustee of the Chatham County Hospital Authority, where he chairs its Investment Committee. He is also a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Wormsloe Foundation and the Rourke Memorial Fund. His extensive past civic involvement includes leadership positions with organizations like the Union Mission and the American Cancer Society, highlighting a lifelong commitment to community betterment.
Professionally, Waters is the Chairman of Waters Capital Partners, LLC. Prior to this, he served as chairman, president, and
CEO of Brasseler USA, Inc., an international manufacturer of dental and medical surgical instrumentation, from 1993 to
2016. He began his distinguished career with 20 years of practice as a Certified Public Accountant and an attorney. A proud native of Savannah, Waters earned his Bachelor of Business Administration, cum laude, from Armstrong State College in 1975, followed by a Doctor of Jurisprudence, cum laude, from the University of Georgia School of Law in 1978.
Don L. Waters and his wife Cindy are devoted parents to two daughters and proud grandparents to five grandsons. They
are active members of Good Shepherd Savannah Global Methodist Church, where he serves as Treasurer.
Robert W. Hagan | Valdosta State University
Dr. and Mrs. Alonzo Earl Jones, Sr. | Fort Valley State University
Deborrah Layman | Augusta University
Sanford and Barbara Orkin| University of Georgia
John D. Stephens | Georgia Gwinnett College
Kurt Stuenkel | Georgia Highlands College
Charles “Skip” Vaughan | Atlanta Metropolitan State College
Jehan El-Jourbagy | Georgia College & State University
Dr. Sarah Shannon | University of Georgia
Shanika Wright Turner | Georgia Highlands College
Dr. Jiyoon Jung | Valdosta State University
Dr. Shainaz Landge | Georgia Southern University
Dr. Trina Fortner Wood | University of West Georgia