Evia L. Davis A Childhood Educator

The Inspired Career of an Early Childhood Educator and Leader:

Dr. Evia L. Davis

“THERE IS NO SHORT CUT TO ACHIEVEMENT. LIFE REQUIRES THOROUGH PREPARATION. …”

MEMORABLY EXPRESSED BY GEORGE WASHINGTON CARVER, THIS TRUTH IS THE CREDO

OF DR. EVIA L. DAVIS, CHAIRPERSON AND PROFESSOR FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF FAMILY

AND CONSUMER SCIENCES (FCS) IN LANGSTON

UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE AND

APPLIED SCIENCES (SAAS).

Her lifelong success resulted from her own hard work and determination, even as her dedication to the young people in her charge — future teachers studying at FCS and children in the care of LU’s Early Childhood Laboratory — ensured that they had the thorough preparation needed to grow and thrive.

From her earliest years, Davis was inspired by her mother, an early childhood educator in Mississippi. “Thanks to her life and example, I learned how much I love children and families,” she said. “That guided me to the education profession.” Davis’s formal studies in education began when she enrolled at Langston University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education in 1976. Two years later, she competed a master’s in child development from Washington State University in Pullman, Washington.

In 1978, Davis moved to St. Louis, Missouri, and began an 18-year career with Saint Louis Public Schools as an early childhood educator for kindergarten, fourth grade, and fifth grade, and as a preschool coordinator. During her time there, she realized that, with the right preparation, greater achievements awaited her. While fulfilling her school duties with distinction, Davis set to work on a doctorate in early childhood education at Saint Louis University, earning her Ed.D. in 1993. Soon after, she added the position of adjunct professor in the education department at Harris-Stowe State

College in St. Louis — even as she continued at the public schools.

In January 2000, Davis made another momentous career decision, accepting a position as coordinator of the Early Childhood Laboratory at Langston University’s School of Agriculture and Applied Sciences (SAAS). In August of that year, she was named chairperson of the Department of Human Ecology, later to become FCS. As chair, Davis worked tirelessly to modernize the laboratory. She sought grant funding to achieve multiple objectives — increase the number of children enrolled from 10 to 60, establish a demonstration teaching laboratory, begin an after-school program, and create a lending library. The crowning recognition of her efforts was the laboratory’s accreditation for excellence in childcare from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services. Davis also created an associate degree program in childhood development and led the self-study needed to receive accreditation. (continues)

“I encouraged my colleagues to make sure their students were exerting themselves beyond measure. And my constant refrain

to students was that they must push themselves to work harder than anyone else.” — DR. EVIA L. DAVIS

Not one to rest on her local laurels, Davis shared her experience leading LU through these accreditation processes as a consultant with other universities, community colleges, and accreditation boards, including the Oklahoma-based Office of Educational Quality and Accountability and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Noting her work as an accreditation peer reviewer and member of the NAEYC audit team, Pamela Ehrenberg, director of accreditation services at NAEYC, lauded Davis for her “collaboration with colleagues at other universities toward a thoughtful evaluation of programs relative to standards of NAEYC and the early childhood field. …” In the midst of this full schedule with these agencies and LU, Davis made time to peer-review and contribute to seven published textbooks on childhood education.

Knowing how much her own education had paved the way for her professional achievements, Davis wanted to make sure others also had career-building academic opportunities. She started by applying for and securing her first grant from the Child Care Access Means Parents in School Program of the U.S. Department of Education. Through the grant, Davis was able to provide on-campus childcare for lowerincome parents so they could enroll in college. Another grant, from the Head Start Partnerships with Historically Black College and Universities, supported efforts to train staff working for Head Start and Early Head Start programs in childhood development or early childhood education, enabling them to achieve associate and bachelor’s degrees.

“I am passionate about teaching and learning,” Davis remarked. “Teaching provides me with the opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of students and inspire the next generation.” One of those students, Amber Franklin (FCS 2012), expressed gratitude for Davis’s instruction, mentorship, and support. “Dr. Davis truly cared for her students,” Franklin said. “Even after I graduated, she came to my school to observe and offer suggestions. She is a great role model.”

With colleagues in FCS and teachers-to-be in the Early Childhood Laboratory, Davis stressed the importance of a strong work ethic and the will to succeed. “I encouraged my colleagues to make sure their students were exerting themselves beyond measure. And my constant refrain to students was that they must push themselves to work harder than anyone else.” Many of her colleagues bore witness to Davis’s steady guidance. Dr. Emisha Young, a newer member of the FCS faculty, thrived under Davis’s mentorship. “Working with Dr. Davis has been a blessing,” Young said. “She has been instrumental in my professional growth and confidence. She constantly encouraged me to advocate for myself and strive for excellence.”

Excellence is the Davis hallmark — in her own educational preparation and in her many professional accomplishments. Mrs. Alice Strong-Simmons, former LU associate vice president, will always remember Davis as a Langston University champion. “Her passion and love for LU is matched by few others,” she said. “Without fanfare, she assisted many students and faculty behind the scenes. Her expertise in the areas of program development, grant writing, and accreditation will be sorely missed.” Dr. George Acquaah, formerly of LU and now dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowie State University in Bowie, Maryland, recalled her in exactly this way. “She has always subscribed to the notion of excellence as the only acceptable outcome for performing a task,” he remarked. “She was a dedicated educator who embodied the core values of LU.”

Preparation, dedication, determination, excellence — these are the legacy of Langston University’s Dr. Evia L. Davis.”

For more information, please contact Ms. Kendra Gutierrez, koregon@langston.edu

QUALIFIED STUDENTS

Get an Affordable College Degree at Langston University

Tuition, room and board is paid with an 1890 Scholarship. The 1890 Scholarship Program sponsored by the U.S. Department of Agriculture supports training of undergraduate students in the food and agricultural sciences.

The scholarship will provide most of the successful students’ tuition, room/board and fees. Students must maintain a 3.0 GPA and exhibit leadership, community service, and academic progress towards a degree. Funds are awarded on an annual basis.

Eligible applicants must: • • Be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States • Major in an agriculture discipline in the Langston University

School of Agriculture and

Applied Sciences • Be a full-time Langston

University student or a graduating high school senior Current/transfer students need a minimum GPA of 3.0; high school seniors need a minimum GPA of 2.8 when applying

TO FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY, CONTACT: Dr. Steve Zeng Dr. Nirodha De Silva, Ph.D. Ms. Kendra Gutierrez

Department Chair/Professor Assistant Professor Special Projects Coordinator steve.zeng@langston.edu nirodha.de_silva@langston.edu koregon@langston.edu 405-466-6145 405-466-6163 405-466-6172