Kenny Xu ’19 Becomes the 2nd Executive Director of Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse

Kenny Xu, a Class of 2019 Davidson alumnus and author, was named the 2^nd Executive Director of Davidsonians for Freedom of Thought and Discourse on August 13, 2024.  He brings to the role experience both chronicling and participating in vital debates on higher education. He is the author of two books (An Inconvenient Minority and School of Woke), a U.S. Congressional candidate in the NC 13^th District congressional primary in 2024, and most recently President of Color Us United, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that speaks out on identity politics issues. Kenny has engaged on all sides of both politics and education, while keeping his steadfast commitment to his alma mater as a founding Board member of DFTD. 

Kenny says, “DFTD is a national leader on campus free speech and has been key to improving the culture of free expression at Davidson. I couldn’t be prouder to be chosen to direct this important organization. My goal is to work with and engage all of Davidson’s stakeholders in the mission of making Davidson College a national leader for free debate and intellectual inquiry.”

Regarding Kenny Xu’s appointment, DFTD Board chair John Craig ’66 said, “Kenny was present at the founding of our independent alumni organization back in 2018 and has provided thoughtful leadership as a member of the DFTD board. He is an outstanding communicator and passionate on campus freedom of expression and viewpoint diversity issues. We are extremely fortunate to have him take operational responsibility of DFTD at a time when the momentum is growing for the national higher education freedom of expression movement.”

Kenny will build on the achievements of DFTD’s first Executive Director Kevin Cook ’09. Kevin is departing DFTD to join the executive leadership team at ThriveMore, where he will serve as the Chief Development Officer. ThriveMore, a faith-based, not-for-profit organization, is one of the most respected providers of residential and healthcare living options for older adults in North Carolina.

DFTD board member James G. Martin ’57 said, “We thank Kevin Cook ’09 for his service over the last academic year. Kevin was instrumental in establishing DFTD-sponsored events on campus, forging new student and faculty relationships, and dramatically growing the donor base for the organization. We are proud of his accomplishments and wish him well in his new endeavor.”

DFTD is an independent nonprofit alumni organization not affiliated with Davidson College, but firmly committed to helping ensure its continued excellence and long-term strength.