Minister to the University

Rev. Dr. Preston A. Davis

Vice President & Minister to the University

[email protected] | 336-841-9241

B.A. Davidson College
M.Div. Union Theological Seminary in New York City
D.Min. Duke Divinity School, Duke University

Rev. Dr. Preston A. Davis serves as Vice President and Minister to the University at High Point University, where he leads the vision and practice of spiritual life across campus. In this role, he shapes a community grounded in belonging, purpose, and grace—guiding students, faculty, and staff in their formation through worship, mentorship, and meaningful dialogue across traditions.

An ordained Elder in the United Methodist Church, Dr. Davis has served congregations in North Carolina, New York City, and Georgia. His ministry is marked by a commitment to helping people connect faith with the real questions of life, calling communities not only to deeper trust in God, but to transformation through that trust.

At High Point University, he is a trusted mentor, teacher, and pastor who walks closely with students through some of the most formative years of their lives. He leads the university’s weekly Wednesday Chapel, where hundreds of students gather to deepen their faith and engage questions of meaning and purpose. Whether in the chapel, the classroom, or in personal conversation, he challenges and encourages students to become who they are called to be and to live lives of meaning and significance.

Dr. Davis is also a frequent preacher and writer whose work has appeared in a variety of publications, including Charlotte Magazine, The Charlotte Observer, and Religion Dispatches. His leadership and contributions to higher education and ministry have been recognized with numerous honors, including the Francis Asbury Award from the United Methodist Church’s General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.

Recognitions and Honors:

• 2016 recipient of the Francis Asbury award by the United Methodist General Board of Higher Education and Ministry.
• 2015 High Point University recognized as Interfaith Rookie of the Year by the Interfaith Youth Core.
• 2015 Alumni Profile, Union Network: The Magazine of Union Theological Seminary
• 2014 Millennial Leader recognition by Union Theological Seminary.
• 2011 Julius Thomas Hansen Memorial award from Union Theological Seminary for unique ability in relating philosophy, theology, and ethics to problems in contemporary society.

Articles

• “The Three Beloved Commitments,” Infinite Space 2020.
• “A Broken Hallelujah,” Infinite Space, 2019.
• “Souls Under Construction,” Infinite Space, 2018.
• “Word from the Pastor,” Infinite Space, 2017.
• “Chaplaincy: simplicity on the far side of complexity,” The Term, 2016.
• “I Wish I Knew How to be Free,” 2016 High Point University Baccalaureate Message.
• “A Faith Legacy for Liberal Arts Education,” High Point University Essays, 2015.
• “Doing Justice; Loving Mercy; Walking Humbly with God: A Strategic Plan for the Chapel and Religious Life Office,” High Point University, 2014.
• “Interview with Rev. Preston A. Davis,” High Point University News release, 2013.
• “Soccer and the Sublime in the Shadow of Apartheid,” Religion Dispatches, 2010.
• “Wheat and the Chaff,” Union:InDialogue.
• “Social Ethics in the Making,” review of Social Ethics in the Making, by Gary Dorrien, Fellowship magazine, Fall 2010.
• “Buddhist Peace Fellowship Connected: Sarah Weinstraub,” Fellowship magazine, Summer 2010.
• “Finding Voice,” Union Now, Spring 2010.
• “Preaching Re-Embodied,” Union Now, Spring 2010.
• “The Art of Compassion: Institute of Art, Religion, and Social Justice Launch,” Union Now, Spring 2010
• “Remembering Howard Zinn,” Fellowship magazine, Spring 2010.
• “William ‘Bill’ Southerland,” Fellowship magazine, Spring 2010.
• “La’Onf: The Making of an Iraqi Nonviolence Movement,” Fellowship magazine, Winter 2010.
• “Freefall,” review of Freefall, by Joseph Stiglitz, Fellowship magazine, Summer 2010.
• “How Much is a (Progressive) Pastor Worth?,” Religion Dispatches, 2009.
• “Racing Ahead,” Charlotte magazine, January 2009.
• “A Post-Election Prayer in New York City,” Charlotte magazine, November 7, 2008.
• “Riding for Life,” Charlotte magazine, July 2008.
• “Starving Charities,” Charlotte magazine, July 2008.
• “Registering Voters in Obamaland,” Charlotte magazine online, April 8, 2008.
• The Davidson Basketball Diary Series, Charlotte magazine online, March 2008.
  • “Relive the Wildcats NCAA Run,” Link.
  • “Come One, Come All!” Link.
  • “Here and Now,” Link.
  • “On the Road,” Link.
  • “Living in the Moment,” Link.
  • “A Step Away from History,” Link.
  • “The Final Entry,” Link.
  • “Cutting Down the Net,” Davidson Journal, Spring 2008.
• “Driven: The History and Future of Davidson Golf,” Davidson Journal, Spring 2007.
• “Wildcat at the World Cup: Correspondents from Germany, World Cup 2006,” Official World Cup Blog for the Charlotte Observer, Summer 2006.