DBAN Leadership

This dynamic team brings a wealth of experience and fresh perspectives to guide the next chapter of the Davidson Black Alumni Network (DBAN). Their collective vision aligns seamlessly with our commitment to connect and support Black alumni and serve as a resource for current students.

a young Black man wearing a suit and tie standing in front of the US Capitol

Chris Burton ’08

DBAN Co-Chair

While at Davidson Chris was a Kuykendall Scholar, English Major with a concentration in Africana Studies and hosted a radio show on WALT. Chris served on SGA as both Vice President and President, as well as serving on the E-board for BSC and DASA. Additionally, Chris is a proud member of the Tau Omicron chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated. Since graduating from Davidson, Chris attended seminary, taught in public, private, and boarding schools, hosted and produced a few podcasts, became an ambassador for the Lupus Foundation of America, and does anti-racist and abolition work within the community.

Chris is excited to work with DBAN and he believes in the importance of a healthy relationship between the college and Black alums. He wants Black alums to know that Davidson will always be their home.

a young Black woman wearing a sundress and standing in front of a body of water and skyscrapers

Rayna McKenzie ’11

DBAN Co-Chair

While at Davidson Rayna was a RA, president of Dance Ensemble, a charter member of the Upsilon Mu chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, an Admissions Senior Fellow. After leaving Davidson Rayna returned home to Brooklyn, NY to attend law school and now serves as legal counsel at an advertising agency. Much of her time now is spent on adventures with her 2 1/2 year old son.

Rayna is excited to reconnect with Black alums who have lost touch for any number of reasons. She believes the Davidson experience goes beyond graduation and looks cultivating a greater sense of community among Black alums.

a young Black woman with short hair wears a white sweater and hoop earrings while standing in front of a tree with fall foliage

Briana Burton ’11

Communications Co-Chair

While at Davidson Brianna was a (CIS) Public Health major, a member of the Sigma Psi Chapter Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc, Black Student Coalition, Bonner Scholar, HHMI, and a Student Health Adviser. Since graduating, Brianna has served in a variety of allied health professions before landing in perinatal health as a birth worker and childbirth educator. Brianna’s main interests are community-based perinatal health interventions, pastoral care and the ways in which media can be utilized to create communities and educate those in health information deserts. She also enjoys social media management, content creation, and live stream production for small businesses.

Brianna previously served as Co-Pres of the New York/NJ alumni chapter and is looking forward to implementing creative ways to build community and bring Black alumni together during her tenure as Communications co-chair.

a young Black woman with brown hair wears hoop earrings and a light blue top while smiling

Danielle Dory ’08

Communications Co-Chair

While at Davidson, Danielle was a poet in the group, Freeword, and sang with the jazz collective Green Eggs and Jam. She worked in Admissions and the Anthropology department and was a campus bartender for three years. After leaving Davidson, Danielle moved to New York City where she enjoys a wonderful career as a freelance corporate strategist and coach. She has worked in many industries and fields with global teams, nonprofits, and startups. In her free time, Danielle enjoys mentoring, building her business and skills, dance, arts, music, and exploration.

She is excited to take on the role of Communications Co-Chair and have the opportunity to connect with a core group of folks who share her passion for Davidson and community.

a young Black man wearing a striped collared shirt while smiling in front of a green setting in nature

Daniel Thomas ’21

History and Archives Chair

Daniel was a Political Science major, Economics minor, and Kuykendall Scholar. While at Davidson, he participated in numerous activities, such as the Davidson Refugee Support, the Bonner Scholars Program, Dean Rusk, the Student Initiative for Academic Diversity, and the Student Government Association. Daniel worked as a resident advisor for the Residence Life Office and was a student ambassador for The Office of Alumni and Family Engagement. Currently, He is pursuing a master’s in economics at the University of Virginia. Serving as the History and Archives chair is an exciting opportunity for him, particularly in the context of narrating Davidson College’s rich history, with a focus on the experiences of Black Alumni. He is eager to uncover and share the untold stories, contributing to a deeper understanding of our collective past and fostering a more inclusive narrative. Daniel is enthusiastic about the journey of exploration and learning ahead and is honored to serve in this role.

a young Black man wears sunglasses and a vest while standing on a street

Victor-Alan Weeks ’19

DBAN Award Committee Chair

While at Davidson Victor-Alan was involved in InterVarsity Christian Fellowship, Special Olympics-Davidson, Black Student Coalition, Trilla G ENT, the Sapelo Island Project. Since graduating, Victor-Alan has built a deeper relationship with the people and the land of this planet through arts and language. He has started various business endeavors and creative projects. He currently spends his time as a teaching artist, filmmaker, and in service through agriculture.

Serving as the DBAN Award Committee Co-Chair reminds him of the unlimited potential of the Davidson Black Alumni Network in support of students. He is excited to enhance the impact DBAN has through resource allocation and facilitating relationships.

a young Black man wearing a black turtleneck and grey blazer

Trey Messer ’24

Student Engagement Co-Chair

At Davidson, Trey majored in Biology and was involved across campus as a Chidsey Leadership Fellow, football player, Resident Advisor, and served as the Admissions and Alumni Liaison for the Black Student Coalition. Since graduating, he’s gained experience in various healthcare settings while pursuing his goal of attending PA school.

As DBAN’s Student Engagement Co-Chair, Trey looks forward to building stronger connections between students and alumni.

a young Black woman wearing a collared shirt underneath a Davidson College sweatshirt

Kylee Taylor ’23

DBAN Student Engagement Co-Chair

While at Davidson, Kylee was a POSSE Scholar, a Chidsey Leadership Fellow, and a Computer Science major. She served on the E-Board for Women in Computer Science (WiCS) and was also captain of the Cheerleading Team. Since graduating, Kylee has been working as a Software Engineer specializing in reinsurance automation solutions at a financial services company in Charlotte. She also serves as the Young Alumni and Communications Co-Chair for the Charlotte Regional Chapter.

Additionally, Kylee enjoys exploring her creativity through cooking, crocheting, and coding. She is excited to step into the role of Student Engagement Co-Chair and looks forward to building and strengthening relationships between DBAN and Black students on campus.