William Nash Davis (1908-1999) arrived at Brown University in 1947 as manager of the University's dining halls. He was appointed director of plant, housing, and food operations in 1957, assistant business manager in 1969, and business manager of plant operations in 1972. He retired from the last position in 1974. He came to Brown from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he had been manager of Graduate House and supervisor of dormitories. He was graduated from Cornell University (1931) with a degree in hotel management.
Plant, housing and food operations are currently named the Department of Facilities Management, the Office of Residential Life, and Brown Dining Services. The Department of Facilities Management is responsible for ensuring that the planning, design, construction, operation, and maintenance of all University facilities and grounds support the academic, research, and administrative functions of the University, while balancing financial and technical constraints with aesthetic and historical concerns. The Office of Residential Life is responsible for maintaining student residences. The mission of the Brown Dining Services is to provide high quality foods and services to all segments of the University while fostering a sense of community conducive to intellectual and personal growth.
From the guide to the William N. Davis Plant Business Manager office files, Davis (William N.) Plant Business Manager office files, circa 1946-1974, (John Hay Library Special Collections)
