Dr. Steven Davis

Never Look Back

Dr. Steven Davis
Florida Community College, Class of 1984

You’d be forgiven for thinking Steven Davis chose his career as a child. After all, he grew up surrounded by education. Both of his parents taught – his dad taught elementary and junior high, while his mother, Sheila Davis, was a substitute teacher at Ed White before joining Florida Community College as a vocational evaluator.

In fact, his career goals weren’t at all decided. Davis chose Florida Community College for the same sensible reason as thousands of other students — the affordable tuition. He thought he wanted to be the “hot thing” at the time, an engineer. He took courses in several programs, including engineering, drafting and electronics. It was only after a few years and some soul-searching before he realized he was suited to teaching.

After earning his Associate in Arts degree, Davis transferred to the University of Florida, where he earned his bachelor’s and master’s in Elementary Education, and later a doctorate in Instruction and Curriculum. He initially taught younger students, working at San Jose Elementary for three years. But while participating in a program aimed at innovations in teaching, he realized he was spending more time working with other teachers than with the students, and decided his future lay in higher education. He’s happy with his choice. “I teach teachers and more importantly, I teach people who want to be teachers.” 

Davis is an instructor and the coordinator of elementary field-based programs at Jacksonville University. In 2002, he was named Jacksonville University Faculty Advisor of the Year and was nominated for faculty excellence awards in teaching and community service in 2000 and 2001. He is also the faculty advisor for the JU sailing team and works with many of the other sailing groups that use JU’s waterfront facilities. Davis is glad he chose to stay in Jacksonville. “I think this is an amazing place to live and work. There are so many amenities and options, especially for someone who loves water and water sports as I do.”

It may have taken some time for Steven Davis to choose a career, but he’s certain it was the right choice. “What gave me enough satisfaction in life, whether I was paid for it or not, was helping people learn and improve themselves. Once I made that decision, I never looked back.”

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