Augusta University Values Week: Davon Hill’s journey with integrity

Augusta University is honoring integrity during their second annual Values Week on Friday, Nov. 15.

Davon Hill, a senior sociology student, gave an inside look on his journey with the word integrity.

Integrity is reflected in accountability, ethical behavior, honesty and reliability.

Hill, from Darien, is enrolled in Augusta University’s BA to MPA accelerated degree program and expects to get his master of public administration degree in May 2021, after he completes his bachelor’s degree this spring.

“Campus shows a lot of moral support and understanding when it comes to new ventures and things we want students to be aware of,” Hill said. “It’s a real family-type spirit that I’ve experienced here.”

Hill has also served in several leadership roles in organizations across campus. Some of his most recent involvements include being secretary of the undergraduate Student Government Association, chapter president of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., and president of the university’s National Pan-Hellenic Council.

While managing his extracurricular involvements, he helped new students by serving as a committee chair for the Momentum Year project. This student-led committee was created by the administration to help curate custom academic track sheets for students.

“It’s been a great deal of fun,” he said. “That committee helps redefine track sheets for first- and second-year students. The custom tracks will allow students to be better prepared for their careers because their classes will reflect what they are interested in learning.”

Between his involvement on campus and his commitment to his academics, he realized his career interests shifted from health care to public affairs. He recalls the moment he recognized his career calling after taking a class with associate professor Dr. Todd Powell-Williams.

“The first day of class we watched a documentary on disparities and different levels of stratification in our society,” he said. “Tears came down my face from realizing I had been blind to so many people suffering around me. I felt that was my calling to help change some of those things. I learned so much about this institution and the world that I’m a part of. I want to help change it.”

Making integrity a focal point

“The first big word I learned as a child was integrity,” Hill said. “That’s something that always stuck with me. It was instilled in me at a young age.”

When he was younger, Hill’s father made him write essays on different topics whenever he got in trouble. One of the first essays he was assigned was about integrity.

“He made me research this word, define it and give examples of how I can live an integral life. Since then, that word has become a focal point in my life,” he said.

Not only did he set high standards for himself, he also is confident to hold others accountable to the same standard at the university. While serving on SGA, Hill mentioned that one of the highlights of his college career was advocating for a student organization that felt discriminated against on campus.

“A big part of living an integral life is accountability,” he said. “Integrity is speaking up, saying something, asking the questions that someone else can’t — regardless of whom it may be.”

“Every situation is not black and white,” he added. “It was an opportunity for enlightenment, education and understanding. I wouldn’t have been able to sleep had something not been said.”

Finding integrity during Values Week

In an effort to promote all six core values, the university is hosting Friendsgiving at noon Friday, Nov. 15, in the Hamilton Wing on the Health Sciences Campus.

Following that event, there will also be a volleyball game against USC Aiken at 7 p.m. at Christenberry Fieldhouse.

Hill encourages everyone to get involved during the week to find ways to be of service to students in the future.

“Tap into your moral compass and help find solutions that best suit everyone,” he said.

For more information about Values Week, contact Joe Pierce, director of student life and engagement.

Learn more about the Department of Student Life and Engagement.