Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daphne Davis. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Daphne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
Hello my name is Daphne Davis and I am on a mission to inspire traditional students, non-traditional students, as well as First Generation students from all walks of life, that obtaining their educational goals are within their reach. We as individuals, can learn, it is possible, with the proper guidance and support To achieve your educational goals, one course at a time.
I am passionate about learning, as a result of becoming a product of a GED after making the decision to drop-out of high school in the 9th grade, I found support and education on financial literacy, career readiness and academic support, thanks to Trio Student Support Services. I was able to earned an associate degree, bachelor’s degree, later a master’s degree and currently perusing a EdD among several certifications earned.
I consider it a joy to be able to teach, inspire and educate others, who are on their educational path and discuss the potential frameworks of success, which can be achieved.
Daphne, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After spending years working in the fast-food industry, I decided that I wanted a change from a job to a career. I have now been working in the educational sector for nearly nineteen years, I started off working in K-12 and decided 12 years later, that I wanted a career change and shifted to higher education, and I haven’t looked back. While in higher education I have had the pleasure of serving in many roles in Student Affairs for several institutions, from Admissions Counselor to now a Dean of Students for Student Affairs. I consider student affairs roles as heart work.
I am most proud of being able to serve as an advocate for students, being a bridge for students, parents, faculty and staff. As Dean of Students, I ensure that students understand and adhere to the student Code of Conduct and Community Standards. Research shows that 70% of what a student learns is outside of the classroom, with that in mind, I facilitate, organize and oversee co-curriculum programming as part of student success. The co-curriculum programming is based around specific institutional data. This data tells the story of who and what impacts the student experience, which then allows me to program intentionally. Lastly, I ensure that all students understand what campus resources are available. These measures are essential for fostering a student-centric environment.
Do you have any insights you can share related to maintaining high team morale?
The best advice I can share as a practitioner is to always be transparent with your team, be close enough to relate to others yet far ahead to motivate them.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
I am currently reading Leading Lightly: Lower your stress, Think with clarity and lead with ease by Jody Michael. This is such an incredible tool that a good friend shared with me. This book is sure to transfer any leader. The book shows readers how to powerfully transform your performance, make better decisions, gain greater self-awareness, and develop the capacity to manage your work and life with enduring ease and clarity.
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