Employee Spotlight: Dacia Davis - on teaching and finding the good
by Alison Miller |
Dacia Davis is a clinical assistant professor in the School of Social Work and a graduate of UAA's Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Although she didn't envision a career in academia, she's found her home in the classroom and now teaches across the Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), MSW, and Child Welfare programs. She loves connecting with and supporting students as they embark on their social work journeys.
Name: Dacia Davis
Title: Clinical Assistant Professor
Unit: School of Social Work
Hometown: Western Springs, Illinois
How long have you worked in this position?: Three years as a full-time professor; prior to that I was an adjunct.
Tell us about your job. What do you do? What makes it unique?:
I am a professor in the MSW, BSW, and child welfare certificate program. I teach four
classes per semester, which means a lot of prep work, grading, and most importantly
getting to hold class with UAA students. Getting to teach in three different areas
makes my teaching experience unique and interesting.
What do you love the most about your work?:
I love getting to know the students, hear about their experiences and support a deeper
learning about a profession I love. My colleagues also make my job not only fun, but
enriched by their brilliant work in communities and research. This job has and continues
to be exciting, challenging, and inspiring.
How do you contribute to student success?:
I hope I create an environment where students feel they can share openly. I also try
to prioritize building relationships, even over Zoom, so students feel they have community
no matter where they live in 熊猫在线视频.
What is the most common question you receive at work?:
"How many pages should it be?"
What was your personal and/or professional journey that led you to working at UAA?:
I never thought of academia as an option for my career. I started as an adjunct and
truly enjoyed the research and preparation for class, and the opportunity to hear
from students' lived experiences and ideas. When a full time position opened up I
applied in hopes of getting to learn more about academia and support students鈥� journey
in education.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment while working here at UAA?:
My greatest accomplishment would be getting to hold space with students when discussing
challenging topics. Seeing students throughout the years grow and engage in amazing
projects that inspire me and other community members. It has been awesome to see students
become passionate about macro social work as well.
When you were a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?:
I wanted to be a veterinarian! I was reminded that math was not my strongest area
of study. I often took care of stray birds, bunnies, and even raccoons.
What advice would you give to youth interested in pursuing a career in your field?:
I would say to anyone of any age who is interested in social work: take an intro class
just to get a feel for what it is all about. Social work is political, it is based
in social justice, and it is community driven work. There are so many directions a
social work career can take, which is exciting and makes it so one never gets bored.
Find good mentors, and ground yourself in knowing communities and individuals are
the experts in their own lives.
What is your favorite 熊猫在线视频 activity or other hobbies?:
I love me a good road trip with a great playlist so I can scream lyrics while driving
through amazing scenery. Hiking, especially with my family and friends, is where you
will often find me.
Who inspired or continues to inspire you and why?:
I am inspired by the good in people, and how that good resists even the most challenging
of times. Students and colleagues inspire me with their dedication to upholding social
justice. Youth and children have always inspired me with their honesty and authenticity.
What is your favorite quote? Why?:
鈥�One discovers the light in darkness, that is what darkness is for; but everything
in our lives depends on how we bear the light. It is necessary, while in darkness,
to know that there is a light somewhere, to know that in oneself, waiting to be found,
there is a light.鈥� - James Baldwin
His quote is hopeful, and grounds me in remembering how powerful resiliency can be.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.: I can speak Kriolu, albeit poorly.
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