Reliance College is proud to announce the appointment of John H. Davis, PhD, to its Board of Trustees. With an exceptional career spanning industry, academia, and nonprofit leadership, Davis brings a wealth of knowledge in engineering, statistics, business management, and Montessori education—making him a valuable addition to the College’s strategic vision.
Dr. Davis holds three degrees from Ohio State University: a BS and MSc in Chemical Engineering, and a PhD in Statistics. His career began in the U.S. Navy and continued with work as a research chemical engineer for Humble Oil (now ExxonMobil), where he was granted a patent for the purification of aromatic hydrocarbons. His expertise later shifted toward mathematics and statistics, both as a teacher and a practicing statistician.
In the corporate world, Davis made his mark in the field of compensation analysis. From his early years at Sun Oil Company to becoming the president of his own firm, Davis Consulting, he consistently applied statistical principles to help Fortune 1000 companies make smarter decisions about compensation. His firm eventually grew to 14 employees and was acquired by the international consulting giant Hewitt Associates in 1999. Even after the acquisition, Davis continued to consult globally and later resumed independent consulting, teaching statistical decision-making workshops across the world until his retirement in 2010.
Alongside his professional achievements, Davis has long been active in volunteer and educational leadership. He served on the Board of Trustees of St. Alcuin Montessori School (now Alcuin School) in Dallas for over a decade, acting at times as Secretary and leading major initiatives. His passion for Montessori education culminated in his role as Founding President of the Montessori Institute of North Texas, the largest AMI-accredited teacher training center in the country. He was instrumental in establishing the organization to meet Montessori standards and government regulations.
Davis also brings governance experience from serving on the Compensation and Benefits Advisory Board for Dallas Independent School District, the Board of Trustees for the Dallas Area Parkinson Society, and the Dean’s Advisory Council at Ohio State’s College of Mathematical and Physical Sciences.
“John Davis embodies the kind of interdisciplinary expertise and commitment to educational excellence that aligns perfectly with Reliance College’s mission,” said Marsha Familaro Enright, founder of Reliance College. “His background in Montessori leadership, statistical reasoning, and strategic consulting will provide vital guidance as we continue building a transformative model for higher education.”
Though retired, Davis remains actively engaged with his community and family. He lives in Richardson, Texas, and enjoys time with his six grandchildren, along with hobbies like bicycling, dancing, traveling, and reading.
With a strong foundation in both classical and modern education, Davis exemplifies the integration of analytical rigor and human-centered leadership. Reliance College is honored to welcome him to the Board of Trustees and looks forward to his contributions in shaping the college’s future.
