Nickolas Davatzes ’62C, ’64G, ’95HON

Nickolas Davatzes ’62C, ’64G, ’95HON

Nick Davatzes served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Arts and Entertainment Networks from 1983 to 2005 and oversaw the successful launch of the A&E Network and the History Channel. Prior to that, Mr. Davatzes was Senior Vice President, Group Executive, Senior Vice President, Administration and Human Resources, Warner Amex Cable Communications, Inc. from 1980 to 1983.

He began his career at Xerox Corporation in 1968, serving in various executive roles, including Vice President, Sales and Marketing. He segued into information technology at Intext Communications Systems from 1978 to 1980.

Mr. Davatzes was a US Marine Corps veteran. Over his long career in media, he earned many accolades from military service and related organizations, including other civic and professional accolades. Among them were the National Humanities Medal presented by former US President George W. Bush in 2006, his 2005 induction into the Cable Hall of Fame, and the Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres Medal bestowed by the French government in 1989.

Mr. Davatzes served on the St. John’s University Board of Trustees from 1999 to 2008. He was previously honored by St. John’s University with the Pietas Medal (1989), the President’s Medal (2002), and the Medal of Honor (2012). Mr. Davatzes died in 2021.