2021 40 Under 40: Tyree Davis IV

At one point, Tyree Davis IV, 27, swore he’d never move back to Springfield. Yet, that’s just what he did last year.

He spent a year working in Kansas City after graduating from Missouri State University with a master’s degree in health administration. He returned for the position of community diversity and equity director for Community Partnership of the Ozarks.

His reason is simple: “I want to be the change I want to see in a community. … It is my literal job to make Springfield and southwest Missouri a more equitable workplace and community.”

If his experience on MSU’s campus is an indication, Davis is well suited to foster change. Davis says he was the first person of color appointed as student governor on MSU’s Board of Governors and the first in his family to attend college. He finished with two degrees.

How do you make the Ozarks better? I am helping advance diversity and equity, breaking down structural barriers to opportunity and creating infrastructure for institutions that want to develop a culture of equity and inclusion.

Theme song? “One Man Can Change the World,” by Big Sean.

Most treasured possession? My name. My grandfather, who is/was one of my favorite people, passed recently. Because we share the same name, it made me feel closer to him.

Recent TV show binge? “The Real Housewives of Atlanta” and “Married to Medicine.” Reality TV allows a break from everyday life. These ladies are hilarious.