Maximillan Davis

Master of Business Administration Student

Maximillan (Max) Davis’s journey from the town of Saltpond in the heart of Ghana, to the Master of Business Administration (MBA) program at Indiana State University, was sparked a decade ago by a vision – one that would take him across continents in pursuit of business knowledge, professional growth, and a chance to impact his community. Today, as an MBA student, Davis reflects on a path shaped by mentorship and transformative experiences.

In Ghana, Davis serves as a program officer at the Aya Centre for Intercultural Awareness and Development. His work includes facilitating university study-abroad programs, organizing service-learning projects, and coordinating faculty-led trips to Ghana. Through these efforts, Davis immerses students in culturally enriching experiences that promote global understanding. His role at the Aya Centre reflects his broader goal of contributing to the growth and advancement of his community – and of his home nation, he says.

Max Davis (second from right) with a tour group in Ghana.

Over the years, Davis crossed paths with numerous Indiana State faculty and staff, including Dr. Andrea Arrington, Dr. Aaron Slocum, and Professor Azizi Arrington-Slocum. Each interaction left a lasting impression and deepened his curiosity about Indiana State, its culture, and its commitment to empowering students. It wasn’t long before Davis began envisioning how earning an MBA from the University could elevate his work at the Aya Centre.

“I appreciated the learning experience with Dr. Arrington. She showed me how welcoming and intentional Indiana State could be. I decided to pursue my MBA knowing the Sycamore roots had already been planted in Ghana,” he says. With the full support of his chairman, Dr. Michael Williams, Davis made the bold decision to travel to Terre Haute, Indiana.

Arriving in the United States for the first time, Davis prepared for a sense of unfamiliarity, but instead, he was embraced by the warmth of the Indiana State community.

“I don’t feel like I’m new here,” he reflects. “At first, I thought it was just Dr. Arrington being nice to me, but I soon realized this is the culture at Indiana State. Everyone belongs here.”

In the MBA program, Davis has not only gained a wealth of business knowledge but has also cultivated leadership and management skills through mentorship from professors and peers. These lessons have already begun to shape his vision for the future, one where he can leverage his business expertise to help the Aya Centre grow and thrive.

“The MBA program has given me insights that will be invaluable to my work,” he says. “I can’t wait to bring these ideas back to my team in Ghana and apply what I’ve learned to help the Aya Centre grow.”

Yet, Davis’s journey has not been without its hurdles. During his first semester in the MBA program, he questioned whether he could manage the rigorous coursework. However, with guidance from his academic advisor, Ashley Layman, Davis regained his focus. “Ashley’s support was a turning point for me,” he shares. “She helped me with my curriculum plan and helped me stay on track to meet my goals.”

Layman, for her part, speaks highly of Davis’s dedication and perseverance. “Max exemplifies the very best of the Scott College of Business — combining academic excellence with an unwavering dedication to the university community. His hard work, positive attitude, and friendly demeanor make him a valued member of our MBA program. Beyond excelling in his coursework and graduate assistant responsibilities, Max brings a global perspective through his professional experience leading study-abroad programs focused on Ghanaian history.”

She continues, “It has been a true pleasure to serve as his academic advisor, and I am continually impressed by his ability to balance the many facets of student life while making meaningful contributions to our College and beyond.”

Outside the classroom, Davis plays an active role as a graduate assistant in the Larry and Buffy Boulet Mentoring Program. This initiative pairs business students with mentors and is part of the Diversity in Business Symposium, which works to enhance the educational experience at Indiana State and in the surrounding Terre Haute community. In this role, Davis serves as a peer mentor to business students.

“It’s been rewarding to be a peer and guide students through their academic journey. I’ve been able to help create an environment where students feel supported and encouraged,” Davis says.

Davis’s experience at Indiana State has also given him the opportunity to work behind the scenes at important events like the Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium (SMIFC). In 2024, he played a key role in setting up the conference, held in Chicago, which brought together educational institutions to support student learning in investment management. The experience broadened Davis’s understanding of the financial industry, an area of business he knows will be vital to his future success.

“For my future, I need to understand everything about business,” Davis says. “I need a strong business background. The opportunities I’ve had, both inside and outside the classroom, have been invaluable.”

As Davis moves through Indiana State’s MBA program, he’s filled with gratitude. His Sycamore journey has been transformative, and he says he wouldn’t change a thing. “I wouldn’t think twice about coming to Indiana State,” he says. “The people, the sense of belonging, and the learning environment – everything here has exceeded my expectations.”

From forging lifelong connections to gaining business insights, Davis knows that the knowledge and experiences he’s gained at Indiana State will serve him well in the years to come. And when he returns to Ghana, he will go ALL IN to apply what he’s learned to help his community flourish!