PLAINVIEW – Dr. Mike Davis, a 1987 graduate with honors, will be honored as a Distinguished Alumnus by Wayland Baptist University during its spring Homecoming celebration. While the weekend is mostly a virtual affair, the awards presentation will premiere online on Friday, Feb. 19, when it would traditionally have been offered.
Davis earned a degree in philosophy at Wayland, then completed a master’s degree in philosophy and one in history at Baylor University. He completed his doctorate in education and human development at Vanderbilt University. He is a recognized expert in nuclear training and qualification, having spent 27 years of service at various facilities, including the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, the Nevada Test Site and Los Alamos in New Mexico.
A native of Pampa, Davis returned to his hometown last year to become campus dean of the Pampa Center for Clarendon College. He also serves the college as Dean of Career, Technical and Continuing Education. Pampa High School inducted him into the Harvester Hall of Fame a few years ago for being a role model for current students.
In his time since graduation, Davis has supported his alma mater in many ways, including accomplishing a goal of speaking at a commencement ceremony at all of Wayland’s external campuses. He has also supported a variety of Wayland projects financially as the primary donor for nine different endowed scholarships.
At Wayland he has also been honored with the Distinguished Young Alumni Award and the Distinguished Benefactor Award as well as the Keeper of the Flame, honoring donors who contribute at least $100,000 in lifetime giving.
“It is no secret to anyone that meets Mike that Wayland made a profound difference on his life and he has repaid that favor many times over with his generous support for today’s students,” said Teresa Young, director of alumni relations at WBU. “Mike considers his greatest accomplishment what he has given back to Wayland so that other students may benefit from being part of the Wayland family. And he has truly left a legacy for future generations to encourage them to embrace the Pioneer life and then pay it forward. He is most deserving of this Distinguished Alumni Award.”
The recorded awards presentation will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 19, on the alumni YouTube channel with access through the homecoming website, located at www.wbualumni.com/homecoming. The video will remain on the YouTube channel for later viewing as well.
The Distinguished Alumni Awards annually recognize individuals who make a distinctive contribution to their profession, serve in exemplary leadership roles in their community and/or demonstrate a strong loyalty to Wayland through service or giving. The Distinguished Young Alumni Award is for alumni under 35, and the Distinguished Benefactor Award honors a faithful donor to the university. More information can be found on the alumni website at www.wbualumni.com.
In addition, an Alumnus of the Year is chosen by previous Distinguished Alumni Award winners, including the winner for each external campus across the Wayland system. That winner will be announced during the awards presentation in February.
