The Bentley Buzz

When Talent Acquisition Specialist Darius Davis began working in human resources in 2019, he was no stranger to knowing what it takes to cultivate a close community at Bentley. A member of the Class of 2016, Darius graduated from Bentley with a B.S. in Management and a focus on Human Resources Management. "I always knew I wanted to go into the business world. In third grade, I always wanted to wear a suit,” said Darius. "The great thing about Bentley was you were required to take multiple different kinds of business courses to get a feeling for the different professions that were out there." 
 

It was through these different courses that Darius found his passion for human resources. "I had taken GB112 (Tools and Concepts in Accounting and Finance) and knew that the finance side of business wasn't for me. But I learned in my HR management courses that I could have an impact as a Black man and could help shift the culture of an organization." Darius was particularly drawn to that idea after taking a Diversity and Inclusion course his sophomore year with Provost Donna Maria Blancero, an associate professor at the time.

With an interest in athletics (Darius was on Bentley's basketball team his first year before shifting his focus fully to academics), Darius built on internships he had while at Bentley with the Red Sox and Celtics and began a one-year associate program with Fenway Sports Management. "I liked working in professional sports but was focusing mostly on community relations and event management," said Darius. "I wanted to continue my pursuit of working in HR." 

After the program ended, Darius found his first job in HR at Norwood Hospital, where he was a part of a small team that allowed him to put into practice what he had learned as a student at Bentley. A year after starting at Norwood Hospital, Darius spotted an opening for a talent acquisition specialist at Bentley, bringing all that he'd learned in the workplace back to where he first discovered his passion for HR.

"I really liked that the interview process at Bentley was so heavily focused on my development," he said. "I was being told that the team would focus on my professional development and would help me grow in my career, even if that meant moving on from Bentley someday. That really solidified it for me and showed me that it was a great fit." 

In addition to what he learned in Donna Maria's class, Darius also credits Claudette Blot, Summer Transition Education Program (STEP) director and program coordinator, with helping him to discover his passions. "I want to help open doors for others, just like Claudette did for me when I first came to Bentley."

Now close to two years into his Bentley HR career, Darius is doing just that by helping to bring the next generation of staff into the university. "I like that I can help bring in new talent to diversify the workforce and help shape the future of Bentley's staff."

Have you discovered an interesting new hobby while working remotely? Started breeding lizards? Entertaining your kids with puppet shows? We want to share it in the next issue!

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For years, No Shave November has helped to raise money for cancer research and awareness and has contributed greatly to the number beards and mustaches on social media timelines. This year, it's giving University Police a chance to give back to students in need. "A few department members approached me to ask if we could relax the University Police's no-beard policy for November to help raise money," said Acting Chief of Police Frank Bourgeois. "Any officer who donates $50 can grow a beard, and anyone who doesn't want to grow a beard can contribute to the cause if they agree to walk a mile a day for the month of November."

Last year, University Police raised money for cancer research with a similar initiative. This year, they wanted to keep the donations closer to home. "After speaking with Dean Shepardson," said Frank, "we decided that this year's donations would go to Bentley's Student Hardship Fund." Initially created in response to the financial burden created at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Student Hardship Fund is designed to ensure that every Bentley student can focus on their education, even when facing unexpected duress. 

"Raising money for our students has been yet another great example of our commitment to the strategic priority of community engagement," said the chief. With a third of the department currently participating, University Police has raised $500 for the fund so far.

Read more and Donate to the Student Hardship Fund 

On Dec. 1, Dean of Arts & Sciences Rick Oches and the Valente Center will host a panel discussion on the outcomes of the 2020 U.S. election, including how it will affect environmental, social, economic and international federal policies. Faculty members from various departments will share their insights and answer questions.

Learn More and Register