Q and A with the NWACC President

By Christopher Davis

Staff Writer

1. Can you share with our readers a little bit about your background?

I was born and raised in Pennsylvania near Hershey. My parents came from agricultural and manufacturing working families. My mother was quite ill. So, I was put up for adoption when I was very young. I lived in many homes and slept on many floors. We had very little. Because of her sickness, my mother took her life when I was 12 years old. I was the last person to see her before her death. Neither set of parents went to college. After much reflection and seeking counsel from my mentors, I decided to go into the military. While in the military, I met my wife of now 31 years. She helped me believe that I could not only go to college but be successful in life.

2. Even though you had a successful career in the Air Force, you still decided to further your education by going to college. What motivated you to pursue and complete your degrees?

My wife was very encouraging to me as well as my fellow service members. They saw my aptitudes and my self-discipline. In short, their beliefs in me improved my self-efficacy so that I could be successful. While I was in college, I surrounded myself with others who had similar aspirations. This part of the process cannot be overstated. I found that surrounding myself with like-minded and like-motivated people helped me push through and not cave-in when the going got tough in my academic studies and balancing work, family, and schooling. So, the saying that we should choose our friends wisely has resonated deeply with me throughout my life.

3. What are some of the satisfying moments you have experienced since you began your teaching and administration career?

To this day, the most satisfying moments occur at commencement when I see students reflect upon and celebrate accomplishments that surpass the academic rigor because such successes require more than study skills. These types of successes require determination and commitment, life-long skills that span all walks and stages of life.

4. Numerous articles have written about you mentioning being a first-generation college graduate. How did that experience affect you throughout your professional career?

Being a first-generation college student as well as graduate on both sides of my family (i.e., father and mother), caused me to feel isolated at times, particularly when I was a young adult. Those closest to me did not understand why I would want to go to college rather than enter the workforce right away. As I explained my story and my aspirations, it inspired others in my family to consider post-secondary schooling. For example, my younger brother aspired and became an executive chef. The tenacity that it requires to not only start but also finish one’s education as a first-generation college student is very much like raising the bar or demonstrating that what others thought could not be done … can in fact be done. As a former distance runner in high school, I am reminded of Roger Bannister, who at the age of 25, broke the four-minute barrier for running the mile. People thought such a feat could not be done. Once he broke 4 minutes, others have followed to replicate his achievement. So, fighting the tide and overcoming obstacles when being a first-generation college student and graduate have helped me apply the same mental mindset in future endeavors. I can share without hesitation; I never saw myself serving as a professional in higher education. That seemed well beyond my reach. However, when we are committed and dedicated to doing the little things in life and doing them well, we are afforded opportunity to do things requiring more dedication and more commitment as we travel this journey of life.

5. Have you found any new interests or hobbies since moving to Northwest Arkansas?

Yes, spending time with my grandson! I am also looking forward to locating a good racquetball court and reacquainting myself to a fond activity that I have sorely missed.