Bio

TERRY DAVIS attended Soldan-Blueitt High School in St. Louis, Missouri from 1972-1976. He was captain of the track team and also lettered in football. After graduation, he enlisted in the military,and from 1976-1981, he was a field medical corpsman at Camp Pendleton and a surgical tech at the old San Diego Balboa Hospital. During this time, Terry took classes at Mesa College and completed his Associates of Arts Degree in 1982. He transferred to San Diego State University and in 1985 earned his Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Health/Emphasis in Community Education. Always driven, he immediately enrolled at Chapman College and in 1988 obtained his Master’s Degree in Health Administration/Emphasis in Human Resources.

In 1987 Southwestern College hired Terry, and he built the Surgical Tech Program from the ground up. As Director, he developed 16 clinical sites at local hospitals where Southwestern College
students could apply classroom lessons and gain valuable experience. Teaching with Professor Bill Maddox, the program boasted a 90% hire rate for students who completed the rigorous program,
and it was recognized throughout the state as a model program for other community colleges to emulate.

During that time, Dean June Scopinich and Bill Kinney offered Terry the opportunity to becomean assistant football coach (1990-2000) and track coach (1991-1993.) His motto was: “The Three‘D’s – Desire, Discipline and Determination.” Terry discovered he loved coaching, student-athletes and being part of a team. So, in 2000, he applied and was hired as Southwestern College’s Athletic Director (2000-2015) and then served as the Dean of the School of Wellness, Exercise Science and Athletics (2005-2015) until his retirement. In his last 2.5 years, after a college reorganization, Terry acquired the Technology and Business Schools, which
added 18 departments to his load. He admits the workload was grueling but he enjoyed the opportunity to learn so much about each program.

Terry Davis was a hands-on, charismatic leader who left his door open for students and faculty. His work ethic was enormous! As faculty, he was the first to teach video conferencing classes ultimately receiving the State Award for Higher Education in Technology. He was also the Faculty Bargaining Unit President in 1989, helping to negotiate one of the largest raises the college had ever granted. As an administrator,
he secured federal grant money for underprivileged children for summer sport camps,developed the Japanese Students Athletic Training Program to supplement athletic funds, and masterminded and executed the design and function of the new Wellness and Aquatics Complex located on the corner lot. Most importantly, Terry was an advocate for student-athletes helping to encourage and counsel students whenever they needed guidance or academic help.

Terry has been married to his wonderful wife Virginia Kay Davis for 34 years. They have three sons - Justin Alexander, Terrence Ryan andGarrett Wesley, all of whom have a master’s degree in their area of expertise. The Davis’ also have three grandchildren – Ja’nia,JadenandElijah. Terry has 12 siblings, one of which is his identical brother: “Yes there are two of us and I am the good twin!”

Terry’s best memories include: “Jim Hammond quoting Don Coryell from his Chargers days; Bill Kinney’s wisdom on how to survive workingat the college; Mike Pompa’s humor when you thought he had no humor; Duro Agbede’s dedication to his athletes along with his sleepingduring school meetings with his shades on; and Cathy and Peggy constantly reminding me that I was wrong all the time, just like a WWWwrestling tag team."

Terry Davis, with gratitude and in recognition of your many contributions to Southwestern College and the School of Wellness,Exercise Science & Athletics, it is our honor to induct you into the 2018 Athletic Hall of Fame.