Dillard University Announces President of Disney Branded Television Ayo Davis as 2024 Keynote Commencement Speaker
|
Posted By: Reginald Claremont on April 02, 2024
Today, President Rochelle L. Ford announced that Ayo Davis, president of Disney Branded Television, will deliver the university's keynote commencement address on Saturday, May 11, 2024. Davis is president of Disney Branded Television, the unit of The Walt Disney Company division that develops and creates some of the world’s most beloved children and family content for platforms like Disney+, Disney Channel, and Disney Junior. She oversees all aspects of development, production, casting, and business affairs for the group’s expansive slate of live-action, unscripted, and animated entertainment, ranging from preschool hits like “Marvel’s Spidey and his Amazing Friends” and “Superkitties;” to iconic series “The Proud Family: Louder and Prouder,” “Phineas and Ferb,” and “Raven’s Home;” popular franchises “ZOMBIES” and “Descendants;” and global streaming sensation “Percy Jackson and the Olympians.” “My journey has been profoundly shaped by my Dillard education and the extraordinary DU community that I’m so proud to be a part of,” said Davis. “It’s a deep privilege to join the Class of 2024 for this milestone occasion and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to President Ford and everyone at Dillard for this incredible opportunity.” With over two decades of experience at The Walt Disney Company, Davis assumed the role of president of Disney Branded Television in 2021. She was previously executive vice president of talent and casting at ABC Entertainment and Disney+, where she contributed to the success of renowned series such as "The Good Doctor," "Desperate Housewives," and "black-ish," while also helping to foster the careers of talented actors like Viola Davis and Eva Longoria. Davis is actively involved in various organizations. She serves on the board of trustees of Dillard University and previously on the board of directors for the T. Howard Foundation. She is also a Jack and Jill of America Inc. member and has been featured on power lists in top entertainment publications, including The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and Multichannel News. Her dedication to storytelling, authentic leadership style, and emphasis on mentorship make her a compelling speaker, offering valuable insights into the power of community and supporting the next generation in achieving their aspirations. Davis is a proud alumna of Dillard University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications. ### About Dillard University Dillard University, Louisiana's oldest historically Black university, is a private four-year liberal arts faith-based university. Located in New Orleans, Dillard offers 22 bachelor's degrees and two certificates in the disciplines of Business, Health and Wellness, the Humanities, Nursing, STEM, and Social Sciences. Its diverse student body is comprised of students from 33 states and 12 countries. Website: Dillard.edu If you enjoyed this article, Join HBCU CONNECT today for similar content and opportunities via email! |
 |
Reginald Claremont
President, Fulfillment and Web Services, HBCUCONNECT Clark Atlanta University class of 1998 Member Since September 2000 |
Comments
More From This Author
Latest News
 |
Online Master of Public Policy: Lead policy solutions that make an impact.The hardest part of working in policy isn't understanding the issues, it's navigating the complexities that shape them. Brown University's online Master of Public Policy, offered through the Watson Sc ...more
Reginald Claremont • 149 Views • November 12th, 2026 |
 |
Delaware State University Certifies Record Fall 2026 Enrollment of 7,407 StudentsDelaware State University has certified a record Fall 2026 enrollment of 7,407 students -- the largest in its 135-year history -- driven by returning students, surging graduate programs and a 56 perce ...more
Roger Gates • 207 Views • November 11th, 2026 |
 |
Our Official List of HBCU Graduates Elected to Office on November 3rd!27 HBCU alumni won public office on November 3, 2026 - 26 of them graduates, numbered 1 through 26 here. 10 won their seat for the first time, 16 were reelected, from 18 different institutions. Know a ...more
Reginald Claremont • 3,274 Views • November 9th, 2026 |
 |
Pumping Iron F. Dougy East WestHBCU Music Professor Douglas A. Jackson releases new Rap and Hip-Hop single “Pumping Iron” featuring the images of an animated penguin Dougy East West with rapping and voice over by Carson, CA, native ...more
Douglas Jackson • 121 Views • November 8th, 2026 |
 |
Explore Diagnostic Imaging Career Opportunities at Providence - Join Our Virtual Info Session November 19!Calling all students, recent graduates, and diagnostic imaging alumni! Join Providence for an upcoming Diagnostic Imaging Virtual Info Session to learn more about career opportunities, company culture ...more
Reginald Claremont • 1,798 Views • November 6th, 2026 |
Popular News
 |
Louisiana Upholds Life Sentence to Black Man For Stealing Hedge Trimmers in 1997While this may not be HBCU related news, as an AFrican American male, I had to share this appalling decision by the Louisiana court system to keep a man in jail with a life sentence for such a petty c ...more
Roger Gates • 406,463 Views • August 6th, 2020 |
 |
Blonde Instagram Model Goes Viral for Graduating from HBCU and Pledging Delta Sigma Theta!A blonde woman is going viral this morning, for graduating from A Historically Black College while pledging a Black sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
@Blonde_HBCU
The woman, an IG ...more
Roger Gates • 190,854 Views • November 30th, 2020 |
 |
Apple to Invest over $40 Million Dollars into HBCUs - Time to major in Computer Science!!!On Tuesday Johnny C. Taylor, President and CEO of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund stopped by “NewsOne Now” to make a major announcement that could literally change the lives of thousands of HBCU st ...more
Roger Gates • 131,471 Views • March 11th, 2015 |
 |
North Carolina HBCU Unity DayShaw University - Elizabeth City State University - Johnson C. Smith University - Fayetteville State University - Livingstone College - North Carolina A&T State University - North Carolina Central Uni ...more
Reginald Claremont • 121,067 Views • August 8th, 2016 |
 |
Black Billionaire Robert F. Smith to Donate $50 Million to Support STEM Students at HBCUsThe Student Freedom Initiative announced today a $50 million personal gift from Robert F. Smith, philanthropist and Founder, Chairman and CEO of Vista Equity Partners. This gift matches the initial fu ...more
Roger Gates • 87,176 Views • October 22nd, 2020 |
