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James A. Davis retired as President of Shenandoah University in 2008 after 26 years of service that transformed a relatively small conservatory and college into a reputable regional private University. He formed an educational consulting company and joined Academic Search in 2009. During his career as President, he served in executive leadership for many professional organizations such as: Chairing more than 20 visiting committees and also the Criteria and Reports Committee of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, President of the Council of Independent Colleges and Universities of Virginia, President of the United Methodist organization for colleges and universities, Board member National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, member University Senate, UMC, President of the Association of Virginia Colleges and Universities, and Chairman of EIIA Insurance Consortium.

Among Davis's professional work, he was a Senior Vice President, Academic Dean, Department Chairman, and tenured history faculty member at Ferrum College. He holds an associate degree from Ferrum College, Bachelors of History from Randolph Macon College, Master of Arts from Virginia Tech, and Ph.D. in higher education administration from Florida State University. Davis has been awarded four honorary degrees; Randolph Macon College, Bridgewater College, Ulyanovsk State University (Russia), and Kuyshu University of Health Sciences (Japan). Davis holds the Paul Harris Fellow, Bill West Fellow, Beckham Medal, Lord Fairfax Community College Medal, and the Hero Award from the Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges.

Davis has traveled extensively in more than 25 countries establishing international relationships with colleges and universities. He has served in many capacities in the hierarchy of the United Methodist Church and has been active in the denomination all his adult life. His Masters thesis was published and stayed in circulation for more than 20 years: 51st Regiment Virginia Volunteers and he recently published a small volume entitled Rules of Civility for the Modern World. He lectures frequently at churches, civic and political gatherings.

More than thirty years ago, Davis served in the General Assembly of Virginia-House of Delegates for 3 terms and used this experience to assist his university and many higher education groups. He has subsequently been appointed to state boards and agencies almost every year of his career and currently serves as a member of the powerful Commonwealth Transportation Board.

He was involved in civic organizations such as President of the United Way, President of Boy Scout Council, President of the Child Parent Center, Senior member of Rotary, Board of Directors of WVPT television, Chairman of Westminster Cantebury Retirement Community, Secretary Treasurer of Durell Foundation, Director of the Datatel Foundation, Member of Board of Winchester Medical Center and member of the Business Higher Education Council.