2025 Graduate Spotlight: Addie Davis
Addie Davis is graduating with a degree in early childhood education and will be continuing her academic journey at the University of Michigan, where she will pursue a master’s degree in elementary education.
During her time at the University of Tennessee, Addie served as a UT Government Relations Intern and worked as a Literacy Research Assistant, contributing to five published articles and presenting at thirteen conferences. She was also involved with the EdTrust TN Higher Education Council, the Student Government Association, and served as a student educator at the UT Early Learning Center.
Addie brought her passion for education through roles such as a substitute teacher in Knox County Schools, head science teacher with Generation Teach Denver and Breakthrough Santa Fe, intern with the 8th Judicial District Attorney’s Office, and ESL interventionist at Centro Hispano. She also completed more than 750 hours of community service. She was honored with Vol of Distinction awards for academic achievement from both the Baker School and the College of Education, Health, and Human Sciences.
She credits professor Michael Jones as a mentor who left a lasting impact on her. “He let me take his policy process course as a senior, and while it was on Monday nights, his lectures, questions, and activities made me look forward to class every week. He provided us with a theoretical basis and challenged us to examine our preconceived notions regularly.” With a passion for education and a deep commitment to service, she’s ready to inspire the next generation of learners.