Staff Spotlight: Glenn Davidson
Position:
Executive Director of Marymount University’s Center for Career Development & Community Engagement (CCDCE) and Executive in Residence at the College of Business, Innovation, Leadership & Technology (BILT)
Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?
I was born and raised in Cleveland and came to Washington, D.C., when I was 18. Aside from short stints in Richmond and New York City, I’ve lived here ever since. I earned a bachelor’s degree in international relations from American University, and then completed a master’s degree in public policy with a concentration in science and technology at George Washington University.
My career has been split almost evenly between the public and private sectors. On the public side, I’ve served as a congressional aide, governor’s chief of staff, federal senior executive at the U.S. Department of Commerce and presidential executive fellow in the Obama administration. On the private side, I spent many years in consulting, working with government agencies, nonprofits, NGOs and multilaterals. Across both areas, my focus has always been on strengthening organizations and helping people gain the knowledge, skills and experiences they need to succeed.
What inspired you to transition into higher education?
I always envisioned spending the latter part of my career in higher education. My wife and many members of my family have worked in universities, so I’ve been immersed in that world for years. I’ve also consulted with higher education institutions throughout my career, so I understand their challenges and opportunities. For me, the appeal was being closer to students, sharing the knowledge I’ve gained and hopefully making a difference in their lives as they prepare for careers of their own. Marymount stood out because of its nurturing, student-centered environment and its mission of supporting first-generation college students and those who may not have role models in their chosen fields.
What excites you most about being at Marymount?
The energy on campus is contagious. One of my first experiences was move-in day, helping students and families unload cars. It was a small thing, but I loved seeing the excitement in their faces and the sense of community it created. That kind of energy is what makes Marymount such a special place, and I look forward to being part of it. I am also excited to reintroduce students to the CCDCE. Ultimately, I want students to feel that the career center belongs to them and that we’re here to serve their personal and professional needs. I’m excited to match the energy on campus and create new pathways for students to succeed.
What are your goals for Marymount’s Center for Career Development & Community Engagement?
Workforce development has always been my passion. I believe deeply in ensuring that people have the skills, knowledge and experiences they need to secure meaningful jobs with career potential and family-sustaining wages. At Marymount, I want to expand our reach with employers so that more internships and job opportunities are available to our students. I’d also like to build a formal mentorship program, where every student is paired with a professional—either an alumnus or someone in their field—who can guide them beyond the classroom. In addition, I want us to focus on what I call “enduring human skills”—critical thinking, problem solving, teamwork, empathy and communication. These are often labeled as soft skills, but they are essential in any career and make our students stronger candidates in the job market.
On the community side, I aim to raise brand awareness of Marymount with major employers and partners in the region so they see us as a go-to source for talent, collaboration and innovation.
What lessons from your career do you bring into this role, and what advice do you have for students?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that a career is a journey, not a destination. Some people know exactly what they want to do from their first day of school, and others take multiple paths before finding their place. Both routes are valid, and every experience along the way adds value and depth. For students, I encourage broad learning—take courses outside of your major to develop complementary skills. For instance, a fashion design student might benefit from marketing, accounting or communications courses because those skills are critical to running a business and articulating your vision. Career Services is here to help students think about options, prepare strong résumés, practice interviews, and understand what employers—many of whom are now using AI in hiring—are looking for. My advice is to stay open, keep learning and use the resources available to you.
What kind of impact or legacy would you like to leave at Marymount?
I hope to strengthen Marymount’s reputation for providing outstanding internships and job placements. When a university is known for preparing students for the workforce, it not only benefits graduates but it also creates a stronger alumni network, encourages philanthropy and builds a more vibrant campus community. If, years from now, people associate Marymount with opportunity, preparation and career success, I’ll feel I’ve contributed something meaningful.
