Stephen Davis, a professor and director of undergraduate studies for Religious Studies, was named master of Pierson College Thursday evening.

Before a packed dining hall filled with current students and alumni, Davis stood alongside departing Master Harvey Goldblatt, President-Elect Peter Salovey and University President Richard Levin as he told students that he looked forward to getting to know “each and every one” of them.

“I have a steep learning curve ahead of me,” Davis said. “I look forward to learning from you.”

As part of the ceremony, Levin announced that thanks to donations from Pierson alumni, the mastership will be renamed in honor of Goldblatt, who has been master for 19 years.

MATTHEW LLOYD-THOMAS