GREENEVILLE – An accomplished young professional with teaching experience on the collegiate and high school levels and extensive community service in her field has been promoted to assistant dean of Tusculum University’s Sport Studies Division.

Dr. Emily Davis, who is also an athletic trainer at Volunteer High School in Hawkins County, will oversee the sport science and sport management programs and serve on Tusculum’s Academic Council. She will maintain her connection to the classroom by continuing to teach courses in the growing sport science program.

“Serving as assistant dean is a great intersection of my career in higher education and my passion of helping people as an athletic trainer,” Dr. Davis said. “I am eager to use my background to advocate for our departmental needs and be a proactive problem-solver for our students who not only guides students through complex challenges but also builds programs that boost retention and overall student well-being. I will continue fostering an environment in the Sport Studies Division where professors have the resources and support, they need to focus on high-quality and innovative teaching and meaningful research.”

The Sport Studies Division offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in sport management and bachelor’s degrees in sport science, sport science pre-physical/occupational therapy and sport science pre-athletic training. Many students have used their degrees in the three sport science programs to enroll in higher-level academic programs upon graduation.

Davis joined the Tusculum family full time as assistant professor of sport studies and coordinator of the sport science program in January after serving as an adjunct faculty member for a year. During her time at Tusculum, she has helped develop two new pre-athletic training courses that are rich in hands-on learning and prepare students for real-world application of their skills. She also restructured another course.

“In my time as a full-time employee, I have been able to expand these classes, advise students and advance relationships with students that have cultivated great partnerships,” Davis said. “I have found ways to use my professional connections to allow students to shadow in career opportunities that have not been provided previously. These include observing surgeons in the operating room and increasing opportunities for job internships and shadowing that allows for more careerready professionals.”

Dr. John Alpers, dean of the School of Business, Education and Sport, said the promotion of Davis is well-earned.

“She has excellent ideas about expanding the number of sport studies programs available at Tusculum,” he said. “Her deep connections with local schools will benefit us greatly as we conduct further outreach with them. She shows an impressive pioneering spirit by diving into matters and proposing insightful solutions. We have been impressed with her work on the academic side and in the field and know she will produce exceptional results leading our Sport Studies Division.”

Davis said the Sport Studies Division performs strongly in meeting the element of Tusculum’s mission that references an active and experiential approach to education. That is the result of internships and clinical assignments that are required as part of completing the degrees as well as the rigorous coursework in the classroom.

She said students are equipped to enter their professions, another component of the mission, and are backed by faculty members who continue to engage and assist students after graduation.

“We have robust programs in place and excellent faculty members who are committed to mentoring and working one-on-one with our students to provide strong outcomes,” Davis said. “This strong base will position our sport science and sport management programs to continue to grow as we move forward. I am thrilled to be part of that.”

Alpers said his goals for the Sport Studies Division include researching potential new academic programs related to athletics and athletic training, building an even greater presence in local schools and increasing dual enrollment possibilities.

“We enjoy seeing Davis’ enthusiasm on display in the classroom and in interactions with colleagues across the university,” Alpers said. “That will produce even stronger academic programs and engagement with the community. She is an outstanding choice for this position, and I look forward to the enhancements she will make.”

Davis also enthusiastically supports the university’s caring Christian environment, which is another part of Tusculum’s mission. She demonstrates her faith by telling her students that she cares and prays for them and is open to in-depth conversations with them about life and faith. On her office door, she has posted her favorite Bible verse, Isaiah 40:31: “… those who hope in The Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary; they will walk and not be faint.”

“I can share my testimony and experiences to fully convey what having a relationship with Christ is like in daily life and my work life as an example to them,” Davis said. “In my coursework for the fall semester, all of my syllabi will have verses that I believe translate to that course. I’m providing a faith-based assignments to get students thinking, and in my Senior Seminar course, I am challenging seniors to discuss their worldview based on their time at Tusculum and their relationship with Christ.”