John H. Davis is a two time graduate of the Department, completing his bachelor’s degree in 1963 and master’s degree in 1967, both in agricultural education. Davis retired from a career with the State of Ohio’s Department of Education where he served in several roles, as well as directing Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum for many years.
[ACEL]: Hi John! you majored in agricultural education at Ohio State. Why did you chose to come to Ohio State and major in that?
[Davis]: I was encouraged by my vocational agriculture teacher, Mr. Welch Barnett, and I knew the campus as a result of FFA activities and state contests.
How did your education at Ohio State influence your choice of career or your career path?
My grandfather thought I should be an engineer but after the first quarter I new I wanted to be in agricultural education because of what vocational agriculture and FFA meant to me in high school. The personal relationships developed with college and department staff was an inspiration that has lasted over 50 years.
Did you have courses that were your favorite to attend?
My agricultural education and animal sciences courses were my favorite.
What professors made an impact on your education?
Willard Wolf, Ralph Bender, Gil Guiler, Leon Boucher, ‘Doc’ Kantner……they all made an impact on my preparation.
Outside of the classroom, what activities were you involved in?
I was in 4-H, a football manager for two years, the co-head football manager for two years. I also worked for Poultry Science and drove a campus bus at night and for Saturday field trips for $1.40/hour.
It sounds like you were a very busy student. What are some of your best memories?
Living in the Stadium Scholarship Dorm for two year and being football manager for four years for the Buckeyes under Coach Woody Hayes. Oh the “stories” I could tell.
What was your first job following your education at Ohio State?
I taught vocational agriculture at Edgewood High School in Ashtabula County.
For what schools, companies and/or organizations have you worked throughout your career?
I taught vocational agriculture at Edgewood HS, Ashtabula County and the Jefferson Co JVS. I then worked for the Ohio State Department of Education for agricultural education services, as a supervisor and then as a director. I retired from there in 1992. Then, I worked at Ohio FFA Camp Muskingum for three years and retired again in 1995.
During your career, have you received any awards or honors? If so, what are those?
OSU Centennial Award and others to numerous to mention. I have a list in my bio
As of today, what is your favorite career highlight?
Growing the Vo-Ag program in NE Ohio from 39 to 110 teachers, directing the FFA Camp program for 28 yrs which touched the lives of 32,000 FFA members and then have our son (Todd Davis) selected to continue the leadership at FFA Camp.
What advice would you give to a current student?
Always be prepared “to bring out the best” in every student that enrolls in your program. Get to know moms and dads.
What did ACEL cultivate in you?
The desire to “make a difference”.
Davis, pictured with Coach Hayes during a football game.