Davis, Samuels receive top Lipscomb University alumni awards

Kim Chaudoin  |  11/18/2025

Lipscomb University has announced its top alumni awards for 2025.

Drew Davis, a 1981 graduate, was named 2025 Alumnus of the Year and Alex (Kelly) Samuels, a 2011 graduate, was named the 2025 Young Alumna of the Year.

Davis and Samuels were recognized during Bisons Weekend Nov. 14-15. Bisons Weekend is a two-day Lipscomb University community event featuring alumni reunions, athletics events, a square fair, a musical play, a 5K, concerts and a number of other activities.

“The Alumni Awards are the highest honor conferred upon our alumni and recognize the inspiring ways Lipscomb alumni are making a profound impact in the world,” said Stephanie Carroll, associate vice president of advancement. “Drew and Alex are outstanding examples of alumni who are making an impact, and it is an honor to recognize them in this way.”

Alumnus of the Year: Drew Davis 

The Alumnus of the Year Award is presented on an annual basis and is the highest form of recognition given by Lipscomb University. The recipient should be “one singularly successful individual who, through exemplary accomplishments and recognition, and through his or her strong faith and servant-like heart, epitomizes the potential of a Lipscomb education and thereby brings credit and honor to the university.”

Drew Davis, a 1981 graduate with a degree in theology, embodies this criteria. Raised in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, Davis came to Lipscomb on a gymnastics scholarship. He was recruited by Lipscomb Coach Tom Hanvey after developing as a standout athlete under the legendary John Bird during high school.

“When I came to visit, I was so impressed by the team and thought the people were wonderful,” Davis said. “That’s when I knew Lipscomb was the place for me.”

During his time at Lipscomb, Davis was part of a historically successful men’s gymnastics program that regularly defeated larger NCAA competitors. Yet it was his spiritual journey at Lipscomb that had the deepest impact on his life.

“I became a Christian at Lipscomb, influenced by so many great people around me — teammates, classmates and professors — but especially by Dr. Harvey Floyd through his Bible classes,” Davis said. “Without Lipscomb, there are so many people in my life today that I never would have met.”

After graduation, Davis continued to pursue his passion for gymnastics by founding Rockdale Gymnastics in Conyers, Georgia, alongside teammate Joe Ashley. Over a four-decade career as a coach and meet director, he has served more than 100,000 athletes and raised more than $200,000 for charitable causes such as the Wounded Warrior Project and Susan G. Komen.

Davis has continued to stay engaged with his alma mater. He produces the Lipscomb Legends Interviews and founded Gospel Jam, an annual on-campus event honoring the legacy of Dr. Floyd. He also helped establish the Harvey Floyd Biblical Languages Scholarship and serves on several boards, including the Lipscomb College of Bible & Ministry alumni board and the Lanier Theological Library Foundation.

“It is truly the honor of a lifetime,” Davis said. “Lipscomb has always meant so much to me, and even being considered for Alumnus of the Year is overwhelming. I’m always encouraged when I’m back on campus, seeing old friends and meeting new ones. The impact Lipscomb has had on thousands of lives has been truly incredible.”

Davis and his wife, Cynthia, live in Covington, Georgia. They have two daughters — Audrey and Grace — and a son-in-law, Ben, all of whom are Lipscomb alumni.

Young Alumnus of the Year: Alex Samuels 

The Young Alumnus of the Year Award is designed to recognize established and future leaders among Lipscomb’s young alumni. Alumni selected for this honor are recognized for their demonstrated leadership capability, a commitment to service of others and commitment to the mission of Lipscomb University.

Alex (Kelly) Samuels, a 2011 graduate in business administration, is making her mark in Nashville as a creative entrepreneur and community builder. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Samuels was recruited to play NCAA Division I volleyball at Lipscomb, where she earned All-American honors and was later inducted into the Lipscomb and ASUN Conference halls of fame.

“I had never heard of Lipscomb,” Samuels said. “But Coach (Brandon) Rosenthal recruited me hard and sold the volleyball program and the education I would receive here — and I'm so thankful Lipscomb essentially found me.”

After earning her bachelor’s degree, Samuels completed an MBA at Appalachian State University and spent a decade in commercial real estate development. In 2021, she launched Rustler Hat Co., a custom hat experience in Nashville’s Gulch district that blends creativity with community.

“What began as a passion project has become a must-do Nashville activity,” she explained. “We’ve even worked with more than half of the companies on the Fortune 500 list.”

Samuels says the Lipscomb community remains a key part of her story.

“This is such an honor as Lipscomb means so much to me and always will,” she said. “I met some of my best friends and created lasting relationships within this community. I love being able to bring my husband and kids back to my alma mater.”

She cites her time at Lipscomb as spiritually formative.

“While I didn't initially choose Lipscomb because it was faith-based, the lessons and values that I gained from the university have shaped me into who I am today, and I am very thankful for that” she said.

Samuels lives in Nashville with her husband, Cooper, and their children, Clyde, 3, and Lucy, 1.5.