Pitt-Bradford's Vice President, Dean of Student Affairs earns doctorate

Michael Davila, vice president and dean of student affairs at the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford, has received his doctoral degree from Texas Christian University.

Davila, who has served as Pitt-Bradford’s student affairs dean since May 2022 and also sits on the President’s Cabinet, received his Doctor of Education in higher education leadership. The topic of his doctoral dissertation was “Faking it or Making it: Emotional Labor, Individual and Organization Well-Being in Student Affairs Professionals.” 

In his role at Pitt-Bradford, Davila oversees student engagement, counseling services, residence life and housing, health services, student care and conduct, international student services, and inclusion and belonging.

In his 17 months at Pitt-Bradford, Davila, in collaboration with his colleagues, developed a strategic plan for the student affairs area, revamped new student orientation, and created a first-year experience program for incoming students to help ease their transition to college.

In addition to his work at Pitt-Bradford, he is also an active member in the community, serving on the Downtown Bradford Business District Authority and the executive board of the Allegheny Highlands Council of the Boy Scouts of America. 

Before coming to Pitt-Bradford, Davila had served in several roles in student affairs on other campuses, including associate vice chancellor and dean of students at the University of Arkansas at Monticello; dean of students at Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas; and assistant director of student engagement, enrichment and development at Austin College in Sherman, Texas.  

Davila also holds a master’s degree in higher education administration from Dallas Baptist University and a bachelor’s degree in religion from East Texas Baptist University in Marshall, Texas.   

A native of the Dallas/Fort Worth area, Davila lives in Bradford with his partner, Timothy Deters, and their adopted Italian greyhound mix, Pippin.