What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Dr. Ji Ji Davis, associate professor of elementary education in the Department of Teaching, Learning and Technology and program coordinator for elementary, elementary/collaborative and deaf and hard of hearing education in the College of Education and Human Development.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?
I grew up in Calera and I currently reside in Montevallo.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in and from what schools?
A B.S. in Elementary Education with an endorsement in middle school language arts from the University of Montevallo, a M.S. in Educational Administration from the University of Montevallo and a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) in Elementary Education from The University of Alabama.
How long have you worked here?
This is my 15th year teaching at UM.
Did you hold any previous positions here? If so, what are they?
Prior to teaching full-time at UM, I served as an adjunct professor here while teaching full-time at Montevallo Elementary School. Before that, I served as an assistant principal at Shelby Elementary School and an elementary teacher at Elvin Hill Elementary School in Columbiana.
What brought you to Montevallo?
Being an alum, it was an honor to return to my alma mater to teach pre-service teachers. In addition, Montevallo has an outstanding reputation for producing effective teachers. I was proud to join the faculty and staff and give back what I was given as an undergraduate student.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
There are so many benefits, it’s hard to name just one. These benefits include the dedicated UM faculty and staff, our beautiful campus, colleagues that are true friends and experts in their fields, the freedom to teach the way I think best impacts my students and the students that are working hard to create their own professional career path.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
Again, so many experiences on the journey from a freshman to an associate professor! I would say College Night has been a constant across all the years. There is nothing like the tradition and excitement of a Saturday night. I loved participating in College Night as a student, and now I am thrilled to serve on the College Night Committee.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
Receiving the University of Montevallo Ernest Award for Outstanding Commitment to Teaching from the College of Education and Human Development. After 24 years in education, teaching is still my greatest passion. I am so lucky that I still get to do that every single day. I love the creativity of planning coursework that engages and challenges students. I love meeting the students and watching them succeed. I don’t think that will ever get old to me.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
I belong at Montevallo because there is nowhere else I would rather be. I moved to this community to attend college when I was 18 years old, and I am still here.
Anything else you want to say?
I have a daughter that is a senior at UM, and one that will be a freshman in the fall. It is exciting to see them both make their own memories, friends and careers at UM.
