(YOU)HSP Spotlight: Ja-Maal Davis

Name: Ja-Maal Davis 
Position: Director of Public Safety 
Favorite Food: Seafood 
Hobbies: Spending time with my granddaughter, St. Louis Cardinals baseball, traveling  
Favorite Book: “A Leader’s Legacy” by Jim Kouzes 
Favorite TV Show: “90-Day Fiancé” 
Interesting Fact: I am a triplet.

Tell us about yourself.  

I am a proud St. Louisan. I was born and raised in St. Louis and went to Central Visual & Performing Arts High School. I played baseball, basketball and majored in music.

I completed my undergraduate degree at Webster University with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Science. I recently completed a 10-week executive leadership program with Northwestern University Center for Public Safety, School of Police Staff and Command. I have 21 years of law enforcement experience. Prior to joining UHSP in September 2022, I worked for nine years with the Washington University in St. Louis Police Department.

What does a typical day look like for you?

A typical day for me starts with a cup of coffee. Once I arrive on campus, I check-in with the public safety officers on duty.  I check my emails, attend any meetings on my calendar and in between those meetings make myself approachable and visible across campus. 

What are you passionate about? 

I am passionate about helping people. My wife teases me all the time that I have been a helpful person ever since she’s known me (we met in 8^th grade). I want to use my position to help bridge the gap that currently exists between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

What’s the best part about working at UHSP?  

I enjoy working at UHSP because as a smaller institution it allows you to develop genuine relationships with students, faculty and staff, and get to know people by their name and story!

What do you want the campus community to know about public safety at UHSP? 

Public Safety is available 24/7 to assist and engage with our campus community. Remember campus safety is a shared responsibility. If you see something, say something. 

To learn more about safety at the University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, visit the Campus Safety page.

<< Back to all stories