Wytheville Community College (WCC) recently presented Mr. Arthur “Art” Davis with the 2024 Professor Emeritus Award. The honor is bestowed upon a retired WCC faculty member who has held faculty rank, had a minimum of 10 years of service, and made meritorious and significant contributions to the college. 

Before joining WCC, Mr. Davis earned a Bachelor’s Degree from Adams State College of Colorado in 1974. He later earned a Master’s Degree in 1975, also from Adams State College of Colorado. Additionally, Mr. Davis served as a member of the United States Army for over thirty-eight years and earned several medals during his service. He retired from service in 2008 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Mr. Davis was a member of the WCC faculty for more than three decades. His career as a WCC faculty member spanned from September of 1981 until his retirement in June of 2002. He was the recipient of the Improvement of Instruction Award in 2002. 

During Mr. Davis’ tenure at WCC, he demonstrated a passion for the Business Management program. He served as the Faculty Advisor for the program, frequently traveling to area schools to promote opportunities at WCC. Mr. Davis was also the sponsor for the Phi Beta Lambda chapter at WCC, and it grew to be the largest chapter in the state of Virginia. Perhaps most notably, he enlisted his students in area fundraising projects as a component of his marketing classes to teach them key business principles while also aiding the local community. Many examples of their notable fundraising exist, but perhaps most impressive is Mr. Davis’ investment in the planning of the athletic fields on campus. While he was serving in active military duty, Mr. Davis was instrumental in commissioning the design and construction of the Al Jennings Athletic Fields by the United States Army’s 760th Engineering Company. After his students raised funds for a new redwood sign, Mr. Davis hauled stone to campus, and he and his brother donated their time to build the base for the sign as it stands today. 

Dr. Dean Sprinkle, WCC President said, “The college is pleased to honor Mr. Art Davis for his years of dedicated service to the students, faculty, and staff of WCC. Mr. Davis continues to serve WCC students and has been instrumental in establishing the ‘Jennings Family Scholarship Fund’ that honors Al Jennings and his family for their contributions to WCC and the community.”

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Pictured: (1) Mr. Arthur “Art” Davis, WCC Professor Emeritus