November 20, 2020
ASU-Beebe “Life as a Vanguard” series introduces Korey Davis, Instructor of Psychology
Davis, a psychology instructor, said, “Since I arrived over a year ago, I have been impressed with the family-oriented atmosphere at ASU-Beebe and the community. My son will never forget getting to play on the basketball court during the Faculty/Staff versus Student game last year.”
Davis attended the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton, the University of the Ozarks and Arkansas Tech University, earning associate and bachelor’s degrees.
Before coming to ASU-Beebe, Davis was an adjunct instructor at ATU and Washington State Community College (Ohio) and worked for Upward Bound at the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith.
“Prior to entering the teaching profession, I was considering having my own restaurant,” said Davis. Davis worked 15 years in the culinary industry as a waiter, line cook and a sous-chef. “It helped that my family has owned several restaurants and that I love to cook.”
Davis teaches psychology and sociology courses. “I think these courses are useful in all careers and facets of life,” said Davis. “It’s a part of the human lifespan and helps us interact with others.” Davis is also a member of the Psi Chi Honor Society for psychology.
Davis was recently recognized as the August Strategic Plan Spotlight recipient for ASUBe Connected. It was noted that he connects well with his students and colleagues and assists with Zoom support and training for the Arts and Humanities Division.
Davis attended high school in Dover, where he was active in football, basketball, and golf and is still an active participant with the Dover Booster Club. He and his wife Marlie have three children: eight-year-old Paxxon and 15-year-old twins Penelope and Presson.
When not teaching, Davis said he is busy with his family coaching youth basketball and baseball teams and announces pee wee football on Saturdays. He keeps his cooking skills honed with instructing his children how to cook. “Creating a meal, and especially a meal from what you have available, teaches a child skills and develops their confidence,” said Davis. Davis also likes to play guitar and the harmonica.
When asked if he had any ‘Claim to Fame” experiences, Davis replied: “My love of music and food brought me in close contact with several musicians who were performing at a Hot Springs restaurant and band venue where I worked.” Davis named a few he met: Three Dog Night and Jim Dandy from Black Oak Arkansas. “But my biggest ‘claim to fame’ might be that my great-grandmother, Opal Mae, worked at a restaurant called Ole South and created an original recipe for Possum Pie,” said Davis.
Davis offered advice to students: “Be mindful of why you are here; Be mindful of the journey; Be mindful of who you are. It is a learning process or a journey we must all take. Enjoy while you can.”
Life as a Vanguard is a social media series produced by the ASUB Office of Marketing and Public Relations. These are ‘get to know’ articles of interest about students, faculty, and staff within the Vanguard campus community.