A dedicated advocate for higher education, Micki Davis’ career journey has been shaped by a strong commitment to supporting students and enriching communities. From her early days with Massachusetts Campus Compact as an AmeriCorps*VISTA volunteer to her current role as Director of Undergraduate Student Success at the University of the Cumberlands, Micki has always prioritized creating meaningful connections and providing resources for students to thrive. Her journey reflects a deep belief in the transformative power of education, and her passion for helping students from diverse backgrounds find success is evident in everything she does.
A Humble Beginning: Serving the Community through AmeriCorps*VISTA
After graduating from college, Micki sought a career that would allow her to make a direct impact on individuals and communities. She joined Massachusetts Campus Compact as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, a position that helped her discover the powerful intersection between service and education. Through this role, she worked closely with community service and service-learning programs, supporting students who were eager to explore their passion for service while connecting with the larger community.
It was during her time with AmeriCorps*VISTA that Micki began to see the potential that education has to change lives. She observed firsthand the way service projects inspired students to pursue meaningful career paths and develop strong relationships with their peers and mentors. These experiences sparked a desire in her to continue working in the field of student development, a desire that would shape the next phase of her professional life.
Shifting Focus: Academic and Career Advising at Clark University
After three years of impactful service as an AmeriCorps*VISTA, Micki knew she wanted to continue working in the field of education, but with a more focused role. She transitioned to Clark University in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she took on a position in the Community Engagement Office. Over time, her responsibilities expanded to include academic and career advising, a shift that allowed her to support students in a new, holistic way.
Working closely with students as they navigated both academic and career challenges, Micki found herself drawn to helping them uncover their true potential. The academic advising process gave her the opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of how students learn and what they need to be successful in their academic journey. Helping students identify career goals and the educational pathways to achieve them became a core part of her work, and she realized that guiding students toward success was both her professional and personal mission.
Returning Home: Supporting Southeastern Kentucky Students
Years later, Micki made the decision to move back to her home in Southeastern Kentucky, where she could be closer to her family. Her connection to the region was strong, and she felt drawn to help students from her community access higher education. She took on the role of Director of Student Success for undergraduate students at the University of the Cumberlands, a position that aligned perfectly with her values and professional goals.
In her new role, Micki was committed to helping students from Southeastern Kentucky recognize that college was within their reach, despite the unique challenges they often faced. She believed firmly in the power of education to change lives, and she was dedicated to ensuring that students in her region had the tools, support, and guidance they needed to succeed.
The Student-Centered Approach: A Collaborative Effort
At the University of the Cumberlands, Micki is part of a larger team committed to creating an environment where students are at the center of everything. The university employs a student-centered approach in all aspects of its work, meaning that whenever an issue or concern arises, the first question is always, “How will this affect the students?” This philosophy ensures that every department, program, and initiative is designed with the students’ needs in mind.
One of the key elements of Micki ‘s work is fostering collaboration across different departments to ensure that all students receive the support they need. She emphasizes the importance of information-sharing between departments and working together to address challenges from multiple angles. This collaborative spirit helps create an environment in which students feel cared for and supported, both academically and personally.
A Comprehensive Approach to Student Success
In her role at the University of the Cumberlands, Micki has implemented a multi-layered approach to student success that emphasizes proactive communication and individualized support. Students have multiple avenues to reach out for assistance—whether through email, text, or in-person visits—and Micki and her team are committed to staying in frequent contact with them. The goal is to ensure that students always feel supported and heard.
At the heart of this approach is the building of strong, trusting relationships with students. Micki and her team take the time to get to know each student individually, which allows them to suggest academic pathways, extracurricular opportunities, and personal resources that align with the student’s unique needs and aspirations. This personalized approach enables the team to support students not just as learners, but as individuals navigating a complex and often challenging life journey.
The Role of Data: Using Analytics to Improve Student Support
In today’s digital age, data plays an increasingly important role in higher education. Micki recognizes that the use of data analytics allows for more precise, targeted support for students. By pulling interim grades, tracking GPA progress, and monitoring credit hours, her team can identify students who may be at risk of falling behind and intervene early to offer assistance. This data-driven approach helps ensure that students receive the support they need at the right time, increasing the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Moreover, Micki works closely with other departments to streamline communication, reducing the number of repetitive messages students receive. By tailoring communication to each student’s unique situation, the team is able to ensure that they only receive the most relevant information, thus preventing communication fatigue.
Affordability and Accessibility: Ensuring College is Within Reach
For many students, the financial burden of higher education is a significant challenge. Recognizing this, the University of the Cumberlands has taken multiple steps to alleviate financial stress. The “Cumberlands Commitment” and the “One Price Promise” are two initiatives that have significantly reduced the financial burden on students by offering transparent pricing and ensuring that everything from tuition to books and dining fees is covered under a single, all-inclusive price.
Micki works closely with financial aid and billing offices to ensure that students and their families receive accurate, timely information about costs, and to help them navigate the complex financial aid process. Her dedication to ensuring that college is accessible to all students has had a lasting impact on many individuals, making a college education more attainable for students in her community.
Celebrating Student Success Stories
Throughout her career, Micki has had the privilege of witnessing countless student success stories. One story that particularly stands out to her is that of a student who faced significant challenges commuting over an hour to campus and living in a home without running water. Thanks to the collaborative efforts of multiple departments at the university, this student was able to secure housing and a meal plan, helping her to overcome a difficult situation and continue her education.
Micki also celebrates students who have faced personal obstacles, such as family struggles or financial difficulties, and have persevered to complete their degrees. Whether it’s a student who struggled academically and needed additional support or one who had to balance full-time work with school, Micki and her team are always there to provide encouragement, guidance, and resources to help students achieve their goals.
Looking Ahead: Innovating to Meet the Needs of Future Students
As the University of the Cumberlands prepares for a leadership transition, Micki is focused on ensuring that the institution continues to evolve to meet the changing needs of students. She believes that higher education must adapt to stay relevant, and she is committed to finding innovative ways to improve student support services. This means embracing new technologies, refining data analytics processes, and continually evaluating existing practices to ensure they are still effective.
Her commitment to student success remains steadfast, and she is determined to continue helping students overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and ultimately graduate with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in life.
A Lifelong Commitment to Supporting Students
Through her extensive career, Micki has proven herself as a dedicated and passionate advocate for students. From her work in community engagement to her role in student success at the University of the Cumberlands, she has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to improving the college experience for all students, especially those from underrepresented communities. Her work is a testament to the power of education and the profound impact it can have on individuals, families, and communities.
As Micki looks to the future, she remains focused on one goal: to continue supporting students, helping them overcome challenges, and ensuring that they have the resources and guidance they need to achieve their academic and personal goals. Her story is a powerful reminder of the difference one person can make in the lives of others, and the transformative potential of education.
