Longest-Serving Employee Recognized for Her Contributions to Queens

In a period deemed the “Great Resignation,” it has grown increasingly harder to find individuals who remain at the same job for more than ten years. Betty Davis – affectionately known in the Queens community as “Miss Betty” – has defied the odds with 60 years of service to the university.

Davis arrived at Queens in 1962 at the age of 17 and has remained through six Queens presidents and 12 US presidents. Since then, she has played a variety of roles on campus, including housemother to homesick young women, special assistant to a president and the “queen of Queens.”

As the university’s longest-serving employee, Davis was surprised by Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles ’73 who proclaimed August 25, 2022 “Miss Betty” Day in Charlotte.

“Miss Betty holds a special place in my heart,” Lyles said, holding back tears. “When I came to Queens in ’69, there were not many women of color on campus. When I wanted to quit and go home because I didn’t think it was the place for me, Miss Betty stood up and said ‘Baby, you can do this!’ She has been an inspiration to me since then.”

A beloved member of the Queens community, Davis was celebrated and honored by students, staff, alumni, and faculty from across the university, including President Dan Lugo.

“Miss Betty began working at Queens on August 10, 1962,” said Lugo. “In all those years, no one has embraced change or led change better at Queens than Miss Betty. No matter what the day is or how hard the times are, I always know I can rely on getting a jolt of joyous energy following a hug from Miss Betty.”

In her daily interactions with the campus community, she consistently embodies the Queens motto of “not to be served, but to serve.” Surrounded by her dining hall staff, family members, and friends, Davis shared what being a Royal means to her.

“My favorite part of this job is getting up in the morning and coming to work to see my kids. My kids are important to me,” said Davis. “If they are happy, I’m happy. If they are not happy, I am going to see what I can do to make them happy. I have a family at home and then I have a family at Queens and I see myself as our students’ mama on campus.”