Jay Davis

Jay is an award-winning journalist and communications professional with more than 25 years of experience. In his current role in the Executive Communications Team, Jay develops communications and messaging for UNC Charlotte’s chancellor, and also develops annual executive communications strategies and goals for the chancellor, the provost and senior University leadership.

Jay joined UNC Charlotte in 2019 as the executive director of external relations for the Belk College of Business, overseeing communications, marketing alumni engagement and events.

Previously, he served as director of communications and media relations for Winston-Salem State University, where he developed and implemented a media relations program that garnered a 50% increase (2016 vs. 2017) in positive news coverage. His team won several awards, including a 2020 CASE District III media relations award, and two Telly Awards for video productions.

Prior to WSSU, he served as communications and marketing manager for the Florida Center for Cybersecurity at the University of South Florida and as the director of communications and media relations for Seminole State College of Florida.

His journalism career included stints at the Orlando Sentinel, The Miami Herald and The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News. Jay holds a bachelor’s in journalism and mass communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.