THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. – California Lutheran University Athletics is celebrating the remarkable leadership and legacy of Howard Davis, associate vice president and director of athletics, following his retirement after three years of service to the Kingsmen and Regals.

After arriving at Cal Lutheran in August 2023, Davis helped guide one of the most successful stretches in the history of the department. Under his leadership, Cal Lutheran celebrated two NCAA National Championships, multiple conference championships, dozens of NCAA postseason appearances, significant growth in student-athlete participation and major investments that elevated the experience for student-athletes, coaches and fans alike.

"Howard's passion for integrating athletics and academics helped guide Cal Lutheran Athletics to one of the most successful times in our history," said Elizabeth Brooks, interim associate vice president and director of athletics. "His commitment to elevating the student-athlete experience is second to none and we will all miss his staple 'Let's go Kingsmen' and 'Let's go Regals' around campus. He's been a great mentor to me, countless campus community members and, most importantly, our student-athletes."

Initially serving as interim athletic director before being named the university's permanent athletic director in March 2024, Davis was promoted to associate vice president and director of athletics in 2025, joining the President's Cabinet while continuing to champion the university's mission through athletics.

During Davis' tenure, Cal Lutheran captured NCAA National Championships in women's soccer (2023) and men's volleyball (2024), while numerous Kingsmen and Regals programs earned NCAA Tournament berths, conference championships and national recognition. The men's and women's basketball programs combined to produce one of the most successful stretches in school history, highlighted by both teams winning SCIAC regular-season championships in the same season for the first time and hosting the NCAA Division III Regional in Gilbert Arena.

The success extended across the department, with postseason appearances in baseball, soccer, volleyball, swimming and tennis, including All-America honors, NCAA finalists and historic individual performances that reflected the strength of Cal Lutheran Athletics.

Yet Davis was always quick to redirect the spotlight.

"The phenomenal success the Cal Lutheran athletic program has enjoyed has nothing to do with me," Davis said. "All of that success is a result of our coaches' tireless work and dedication. I was simply fortunate to be on the sideline cheering on these amazing coaches and student-athletes."

That same appreciation extended to the people who made Cal Lutheran Athletics what it was while Davis was here.

"I'm really proud of our coaching staff and value the tremendous amount of work they do to recruit, retain and develop their young men and women to their highest potential," Davis said.

"For three years, Howard poured himself into this department with a steadfastness and heart that our student athletes and coaches will not soon forget," President John A. Nunes said. "He had a rare gift for bringing people together, rallying our campus and community around our athletes and their achievements in ways that strengthened who we are as Cal Lutheran. We are profoundly grateful for his leadership and for the spirit of unity he helped cultivate."

Beyond wins and championships, Davis focused on strengthening the foundation of Cal Lutheran Athletics. He spearheaded the reimagining of the Victory Club and Champions Fund through the "Road to Victory" celebration, recognizing the donors whose generosity helped shape the department while honoring Cal Lutheran's national championship teams. He also oversaw renovations to the Athletics Suite, transforming it into a welcoming space for student-athletes, coaches, alumni and campus partners.

Davis prioritized student-athlete engagement by expanding the role of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, launching initiatives such as Partner Teams to encourage support across programs and introducing the innovative Grand Buddy Program, connecting student-athletes with members of the local retirement community. His commitment to enhancing the student-athlete experience also included investments in livestream technology through FloSports and continued collaboration across campus to elevate athletic events and operations.

His vision helped position Cal Lutheran Athletics for continued growth, including the addition of women's flag football and the development of the university's new esports program, while increasing department participation by more than 90 student-athletes.

A longtime educator and athletics administrator, Davis brought more than three decades of leadership experience in Ventura County to Cal Lutheran. Prior to joining the university, he served as athletic director at Moorpark College, vice president of Academic Affairs at Antelope Valley College and founding athletic director at Pacifica High School, while also teaching in graduate and doctoral leadership programs at California State University, Northridge.

His influence at Cal Lutheran extended far beyond competition, leaving an enduring legacy built on servant leadership, relationships and an unwavering belief in the transformative power of collegiate athletics.

For Davis, what began as a short-term commitment became something much more meaningful.

"My time was supposed to be three to six months, but the joy of working with the phenomenal student-athletes turned it into a 3-year joy," Davis said.

That connection with Cal Lutheran's student-athletes is what he will miss most.

"I will badly miss the day-to-day interactions with our student-athletes and watching their development in all areas over years," he said.

As Davis steps away from the department, he leaves with confidence in the person stepping into the interim role.

"Elizabeth taking over interim duties is a brilliant choice and will serve the department well," Davis said. "She's been involved in every major decision or activity for at least the past three years. Elizabeth knows the department and its needs better than anyone."

Davis' appreciation for Cal Lutheran extends beyond his time leading Athletics.

"Cal Lutheran is a special place and Athletics is critical to the mission of the university. There are so many special people who make the department what it is and provide an elite student athlete experience," he said.

Cal Lutheran Athletics extends its deepest gratitude to Howard Davis for his extraordinary leadership, commitment and service. His impact on the Kingsmen and Regals community will be felt for years to come, and his legacy will remain an enduring part of the department.