Staff Spotlight: Lori Davis, Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, receives 2025 John S. Perkins Award for Distinguished Service
Lori Davis, assistant dean for strategic initiatives, was named one of three 2025 Boston University John S. Perkins Award for Distinguished Service recipients, the highest honor bestowed on Boston University staff.
“It gave me a renewed sense of energy,” Davis said about receiving the award. “Even though I am very content and I feel fulfilled, this award gave me an extra boost.”
Davis is the fourth GSDM staff member to receive the John S. Perkins Award for Distinguished Service. Kathi Ferland, director of administration (2002), Andrew “Andy” Burke, director of facilities & operations (2006), and Elizabeth Bouhmadouche, registrar & director of enrollment services (2011) were the previous recipients.
The Boston University Faculty Council annually presents three non-faculty members with the John S. Perkins Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of those who have served the University with great distinction and have made important contributions toward the University’s goals. Since 1984, the awards have been sponsored by the estate of John S. Perkins, who served the University for over 50 years as a faculty member, member of the administration, trustee, and treasurer.
Davis and her fellow recipients, Andrew Abrahamson, Metropolitan College assistant director of educational technology & innovation and Lauren Consalvo, College of Arts & Sciences department administrator of the Department of Earth & Environment, were recognized during the 2025 award ceremony in the Metcalf Trustee Ballroom on Tuesday, May 6.
“It was really nice to hear their stories and to also be able to share mine,” Davis said. “[It was great] to have the opportunity to say thank you to all the individuals who are involved in the nomination, the selection process, and then putting the ceremony together.”
Even after being at GSDM for nearly 18 years, Davis said she feels like there is still more she can learn from her colleagues.
“I want to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Dean Leone for nominating me, but more so for his support over the years. I’ve worked with him since day one,” Davis said. “I have also had the privilege of working very closely with Dr. McCausland [associate dean for academic affairs] and I’ve learned just so much from both of them. I just can’t say thank you enough to them as well as the other leadership within the school.”