Sep 1, 2003 -- For Hillel Davis, PhD, exchanging the frenetic pace of corporate life for the challenges of academia is a task he relishes. In both spheres, he has applied the values of commitment, compassion and openness- principles that he hopes will define his tenure as YU's vice president of university life. Dr. Davis was recruited by YU's new president Richard M. Joel with one clear charge: to create a campus environment that stresses respect, more effective communication, and friendliness both in and outside the classroom. Before joining YU, Dr. Davis worked as a senior vice president of human resources at IDT Corporation, an international telecommunications firm. Previously, he held similar senior-level positions at Republic National Bank (currently HSBC) and Citicorp/ Citibank, N.A. A soft-spoken man with a gentle yet strong presence, Dr. Davis graduated from Yeshiva College in 1973. He received a master's degree in history from Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and rabbinic ordination from Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary (RIETS) in 1975. He earned another master's degree and a PhD in industrial/ organizational psychology from New York University. The son of a prominent rabbi in Chicago where he grew up, he never planned to be a pulpit rabbi; but learning Torah impacts his daily life and his world view. Dr. Davis lives in Oceanside, NY, where he is co-president of Hebrew Academy of Long Beach, a member of the Board of Jewish Education of New York, and is active in the Young Israel of Oceanside. He is a close friend and colleague of President Joel, and is inspired and motivated by their shared philosophy of kavod ha'briot- respect for the dignity of all of God's creatures. Define vice president of university life “My responsibilities cover enrollment management, which includes the registrar, student affairs, admissions, and student aid. I oversee supporting services and human resources, which touch virtually everything that affects students outside the classroom. “However, I am charged with ‘university life’ not ‘student life.’ I will focus on human resources regarding faculty and administrators in addition to students. I will also strive to create an environment in which people feel better about the University by opening up the channels of communication and enhancing the level of respect we have for one another.” Management style “I want to build consensus. I will work with our teams in human resources, facilities, and finance, and we will address emerging issues attempting to resolve matters in a fashion that benefits the University and its constituencies. “For students, my door is always open. My ultimate objective is to create an environment in which 50 people will have their doors open. Our current system works, but it needs to empower people and to improve. “Also, I see as my challenge being instrumental in planning for YU’s future. I hope to work with President Joel and the other vice presidents to help articulate the vision of the President and then to help bring that vision to fruition.” Responsibilities for graduate schools “I have university-wide responsibility. Geography is an impediment because the campuses are so spread out. Ideally, I would like to return messages by walking into people’s offices. Obviously that’s more difficult regarding Cardozo or Einstein.” Family ties “My wife, Racheyl, is a Stern graduate, as are my two sisters. My brothers-in-law and sisters-in law are also alumni, as are several members of my extended family. My daughter Navah attended Samuel H. Wang High School for Girls, and graduated from Stern. My son, Ariel, attended The Marsha Stern Talmudical Academy/ Yeshiva University High School for Boys and is currently a Yeshiva College student. He is taking classes at Bernard Revel Graduate School of Jewish Studies and is also a student at RIETS. My daughter Leora just finished her first semester at Stern after a year and a half in Israel and our youngest, Tali, just finished her sophomore year at Stella K. Abraham High School for Girls.” Recent books read “I try to read non-fiction books of Jewish interest, including Hillel Goldberg’s Between Berlin and Slobodka, Marc Shapiro’s book on the Sridei Eish, and The Six Day War by Michael Oren. In preparation for this job, I also read Jeffrey Gurock’s book on YU, The Men and Women of Yeshiva. I struggle to keep up with Daf Yomi and try to attend a shiur four nights a week so I don’t usually get home until 10. I have been co-president of Hebrew Academy of Long Beach for the past six years, which takes up a lot of time. When I was younger, I did more sports but now I don’t have very much leisure time.” Your message to the University community “I would like students, faculty, administrators, and staff to gain a sense of ownership and partnership with the University.”