2007 Faculty Senate University Service Award: Lynn Davis

The concept of "shared governance" is a strong one at Raymond Walters College and, indeed, throughout the University of Cincinnati. But, thanks to the effort of people like Professor Lynn Davis, it is much more than simply a theory and is a fact of standard operations.

Davis has served as a member of RWC’s Mathematics, Physics & Computer Science Department since 1980 and throughout her tenure with the College, she has devoted her time, talents and energy to ensuring that the faculty have a presence at the table. From the AAUP to faculty senate, from RWC’s governance review committee to the UC|21 Academic Planning Process, Davis lends her ability to conceptualize problems and possible solutions, sharing the faculty’s input and priorities. In fact, one of her nominators mentioned Davis’ desire to "give voice to the faculty" as a common theme in her service.

Her interest in shared governance has led to several research projects, including numerous presentations both within UC and various professional organizations. She also shares her leadership with national organizations, such as the American Mathematics Association of Two Year Colleges, and has received several grants, including a National Science Foundation grant, UC faculty development grants, and the State of Ohio Academic Challenge grant, for her development of computer science coursework.

Her passion is catching, as she serves as advisor to Student Government at both the university and the college, and as a founding member of the college’s Student Affairs Committee, promoting the "voice of the students" in shared governance. Even in the classroom, where she teaches finite math and calculus, Davis’ ability to generate excitement and interest is well-known.

Davis, who earned a master’s degree in Mathematics from UC and a bachelor’s degree in Latin and Mathematics with honors from Miami University, has distinguished herself through service to the department, college, university and community. However, as one nominator states, "More important than the time spent, has been the quality of her involvement. She has repeatedly shown herself to be not simply a hard worker, which she is, and not simply broadly committed, which she is. Most striking is her ability to formulate plans and processes which have the result of changing the institution for the better."