From 1943 until his retirement in 1968, Walter S. Davis led Tennessee State through an era of tremendous growth in academics, facilities and worldwide recognition. Tennessee Agricultural and Industrial State College achieved university status in 1951, and the Tennessee Board of Education elevated the university to a full-fledged land-grant university in 1957. Under Davis's leadership, 24 new buildings were constructed on the campus. During his tenure, athletes from Tennessee State commanded the attention of the nation and the world by winning national championships in football, basketball and swimming, and national titles and Olympic medals in track and field.
