Naval service contributes to spirit of excellence for Davis
Jeff Davis graduated from Wichita Falls Rider High School in May of 2008. By that July, he had entered the U.S. Navy, where he spent the next six years. He served on board the U.S.S. Nebraska, and he believes that his time there was instrumental in making him into the professional he has become.
“A culture rooted in excellence breeds excellence,” Davis said. “If it weren’t for the support of my family and my years of service, I would not be who I am today.” Now, Davis is part of the first cohort in Midwestern State University’s Doctorate of Educational Leadership program. He expects to graduate in summer 2024.
While in the Navy, Davis served as a missile technician, and attended Basic Enlisted Submarine School, Advanced Technical Training in Connecticut, and Missile Technician “C” School in Georgia. He completed nine patrol cycles on board the Nebraska.
After leaving the Navy in 2014, Davis chose to attend MSU Texas. Growing up in Wichita Falls, Davis had grown up around the university. “The history, the closeness to home, generational influence, smaller campus, class dynamic, the diversity, and welcoming campus life are all part of why I chose to stay here,” Davis said.
He received a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences in 2017 and, seeing his wife as an educator, took a job
as a substitute teacher, which led to a job as a classroom teacher. He earned a master’s in educational leadership, also from MSU Texas.
Davis currently teaches Instructional Methodologies for the 82d Training Wing-Faculty Development at Sheppard Air Force Base, where new instructors transition from operational Air Force to Air Education and Training Command to produce the next generation of multi-capable airmen. “Basically, we teach new instructors how to teach,” Davis said.
Davis said his family was his greatest influence in deciding his major and reinforcing his commitment to continuing his education. “My wife, Lacey, is an instructional coach for Wichita Falls ISD, and if it weren’t for her, I never would have considered becoming an educator. My children motivate me to continue higher and set an example for future generations,” Davis said. “The opportunity to be a part of the first doctorate program in the 100 years of Midwestern history is just that extra bonus on top.”