From Spartan to Star: Meet the new director of academic advising

By Carson Lemon
Staff Reporter

At the beginning of the new year, Carmellia Davis-King joined Lansing Community College to serve as the new director of academic advising. In her new role, she says the support at LCC is the best she’s ever experienced and is excited to lead with a “student-centered approach” that ensures employees’ voices are heard.

Davis-King grew up in Pontiac, Michigan, with a family she said helped her to prioritize her education. “During the times when the schools were on vacation, we would have to do these worksheets, whether it was reading or math, and oh, that used to make me so angry,” Davis-King said with a laugh. “At the time, I didn't know what our family was trying to instill in us, and that was the value of an education.”

Even from a young age, Davis-King knew she would be going to college, which she credited in part to her supportive family. “You grew up knowing that you were going to go to college, and you were going to be whatever your heart desired,” Davis-King said. “If [my family] hadn't instilled those values, I don't think I would be sitting here today.”

After graduating high school, Davis-King attended Adrian College, but knew she had more years of school ahead of her. “I feel like my path was just laid out for me because my [advisor], the only thing he talked about was grad school.” Davis-King ended up going to graduate school at the Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Education. For Davis-King, this was a natural fit, as she had known that she was a good teacher since she was in kindergarten.

After finishing graduate school, she got an interview at the College of Engineering at MSU. “When I went in [to the interview], the weather was sunny. And when I came out, it was a blizzard.” Davis-King said. “I thought, ‘Okay, universe, where am I supposed to be?’ And then I got a call back and they're like, ‘We really think you would make a great addition to our team.’”

Davis-King stayed at MSU for 18 years before coming to LCC. In her new role here, she meets with academic advisors, working to create accessible pathways that will lead students to success. “We want to see every student fulfill what their goals are, whether that's a certificate, or graduating with an associate's degree, or coming back, or transferring.”

In her role as director, Davis-King oversees over 20 academic advisors, and although she is still new to the college, she credits the supportive leadership at LCC with helping her build connections and succeed in her role. “I'm getting to know the people, the places and the things that are key to our student success,” Davis-King said. “I'm in a lot of meetings during the day—learning more about how advising connects to the entire student experience.”

Additionally, she remarked how well the college sets administrators up for success. “HR provides professional development so that you can meet other leaders on campus. And then you learn best practices for you as a leader and for your team—what works and what doesn't work.” Davis-King continued with her praise, “I just feel this support here is hands-down the best I've ever experienced. I love that, as a leader, you're not alone.”

When speaking about what she plans to accomplish in her role overseeing Academic Advising, Davis-King said she wants her staff—not just students—to feel supported by her. “I want to make sure they have the tools to be successful, and that they feel supported by me with the initiative of being bold, trying something different to reach our students.”

Davis-King spoke more about how exactly she works to create a welcoming environment for her staff. “I think it's in the way that you lead. Make sure that you're a welcoming and inviting person and know that the mission is bigger than you; it's bigger than your feelings,” she said. “I always tell my team, my door is open even when it's closed.”

Outside of work, Davis-King thrives in the outdoors. After her daughter graduated from college, she moved to Arizona for work. Because of the time difference between the two, they struggled to stay in touch, but found a way to connect through TV shows like RuPaul’s Drag Race—both Davis-King’s and her daughter’s favorite show.

When Davis-King first began making trips out to Arizona to visit her daughter, the two started going on hikes together. “We hiked with her friends, and her friends hike every day because they're already there. So, I'm training here in the gym or outside, while they're training on the mountain,” Davis-King said with a laugh. "That was originally a way for me to connect with her, and I just fell in love with it.”

Now, her daughter is back in Michigan for graduate school, but the two already have plans to get back to Arizona to do more hiking. “When you're up on top of that mountain and everything looks like raisins, like little dots,” Davis-King said, “your head is clear, the air is fresh, and any problem that you think you're facing, the solution comes to you when you're up there.”

As an avid lover of the outdoors, Davis-King praised Michigan for its natural beauty. “Kensington Park is amazing. I pack my bike in the summertime and go down there,” Davis-King said with a smile. “And you can go around the park as many times as you want. Nature is so pretty out there that you can just ride forever,”

Although hiking is a big passion of hers, it’s hardly the only one. Davis-King also enjoys reading, citing the 2024 Mel Robbins book The Let Them Theory as one of her favorite recent reads, as well as “everything President Obama writes.”

Davis-King commented on the legacy she hopes to create for herself at LCC. “I want to be known as a leader who invested in the success of our students, who opened doors for them and helped them to grow into their strengths,” she said. “And then I want to leave behind a confident team and empowered professionals, knowing that we increased graduation rates.”

Clearly, Davis-King dedicates herself, whether to a hike in the mountains or helping students find success at LCC. “I have been here since January 1, and when I come into work, I'm smiling.” Davis-King said. “What a great opportunity I have. I want to do my best to make my family proud.”