Harwell Goodwin Davis (November 23, 1882 – August 5, 1977) was a lawyer and Alabama State Attorney General, who also served as the President of Howard College, later Samford University, from 1938 until 1958.
In 1916, he was appointed First Assistant Attorney General of Alabama; he stepped down from the post in 1917 to enlist as an infantry officer in the 82nd Division.
Davis served in World War I, where he was promoted to the rank of Major, wounded in action and received a citation for gallantry.
[1] During his time as Attorney General, Davis worked to expose and end the state's convict lease system.
During his time in office, the college relocated to a new, larger campus, increased enrollment and improved financial stability.