David W. Lewis (c. 1815-1885) was an American lawyer, civil servant and lecturer.

After graduating from the University of Georgia in 1837 he pursued careers as a lawyer, an agricultural reformer, and a planter.

One of his first roles in public service began in 1839 as secretary to Georgia governor George N. Gilmer.

In addition to his service as president at the college, Lewis was also one of the two professors at the school in its early years, teaching Greek and English literature.

In his final days he relocated to the house of his daughter, H. H. Perry, in Gainesville, Georgia.