Meet the Neighbors: Dr. Edmond Davis

Photo courtesy of Arkansas Baptist College

Job: Full-time faculty & Director of Meta24 Recruitment

Employer: Arkansas Baptist College

Hometown: West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Neighborhood: Little Rock

Dr. Edmond Davis is no stranger to the hardships life brings and persevering through difficult times. Originally from West Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Edmond’s parents worked hard to keep their family together for most of his childhood. Experiencing homelessness and shelterlessness between 1986 and 1988, there were nights his family would spend sleeping in basements or at the Amtrak Train Station. He needed to drop out of school due to the hardships, but eventually found his way back to receiving the secondary education he needed to pursue a college degree. 

He attended Grambling State University in Louisiana, where he served as the History Club President, became a National Quiz Bowl Champion, received an All-American scholarship on the track team and graduated early. He then pursued his master’s degree at Louisiana Tech University, and later moved to Little Rock for better career opportunities. 

“Career doors in Pennsylvania were limited 23 years ago, but Arkansas offered a path,” Edmond said. “My first college teaching opportunity came from UA–Little Rock, where I taught U.S. History I & II and Western Civilization I & II. That experience gave me my start, and I’ve called Little Rock home ever since.”

His love for history comes from his father, who often told him, “Know your history and know who you are.” This phrase became the North Star of his life, and he did everything he could to learn as much about the world and humanity as possible. Not only did his father light a fire under his feet to pursue a career in history, but so did his faith. 

“I had to wait patiently for God to open the right doors. My first opportunity came at UA–Little Rock, and later, mentorship from Dr. Milton P. Crenchaw became a life-changing influence,” Edmond said. “Dr. Crenchaw mentored me into becoming a writer, researcher, speaker and historian. My career as a global Tuskegee Airmen authority was born from that relationship.”

After teaching at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, Dr. Edmond Davis was asked to become an academic advisor and counselor at Arkansas Baptist College. He began adjunct teaching history and fell in love with the student body there. Over 17 years later, he’s now a full-time faculty member and currently serves as the Director of META24 Recruitment. 

Since Little Rock is geographically the center of Memphis, St. Louis, New Orleans and the DFW area, he’s enjoyed watching the city grow since moving here. 

“We’re smaller, cleaner, less congested and filled with opportunity,’ Edmond said. “That’s why I tell people: come here, invest here and build here.” 

His favorite part of his job is teaching not only academic lessons to his students, but also life lessons they can carry with them as they move forward in their lives. He uses social sciences to connect with his students and encourage them to learn from their everyday experiences. 

“Students watch what you do far more than they hear what you say,” Edmond said. “I make sure to model professionalism, compassion and faith. My classroom and office operate like a family, because family builds the best learners.”