Dr. Stephen F. and Kathleen Davis first heard about Alice Lloyd College when they saw the ALC women’s basketball team in the NAIA national tournament. The Lady Eagles performance and sportsmanship impressed the couple so much that they researched the College and learned about the character-based education offered at ALC. They recall feeling moved to become part of the ALC family, and recently stopped by Pippa Passes, all the way from Hideaway, Texas!
Steve and Kathleen are both graduates of Southern Methodist University. Steve received his Ph.D. from Texas Christian University. He was Roe R. Cross Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Emporia State University and Distinguished Guest Professor at Morningside College.
Since 1966, Dr. Davis has published over 300 articles, 42 textbooks, and 900 professional papers on research in Psychology, Psychology education, and various other topics in his field. He has served as the President of the Society for the Teaching of Psychology, the Southern Society for Philosophy and Psychology, and Southern Psychological Association. He is also a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and division 1 (General), 2 (Society for Teaching of Psychology), 3 (experimental), and 6 (behavioral neuroscience and Comparative Psychology) of the American Psychological Association.
Dr. Davis took early retirement from Emporia State University in 2001, which allows Kathleen and him plenty of time to travel to places like the Appalachian region. During their visit, they had the opportunity to meet multiple bright young minds and were impressed by the friendly and outgoing personalities that Alice Lloyd College students cultivate during their time on the Purpose Road. Steve and Kathleen spent their visit discussing cinema with Dr. Patrick Greene, sitting in on Dr. Steven Wilson’s Western Civilization class, and watching the women’s basketball team practice where they had the opportunity to speak with the Lady Eagles and tell them that their showing at the national tournament piqued their interest in the College.
As Americana aficionados, Steve and Kathleen collect rare teddy bears, antique cars, and vintage guitars. Steve says he has over 20 guitars, some of which are signed by historic rock and roll icons, while others are limited edition releases and a few are custom made. They even used to own a record company, and have thousands of records at their house in Hideaway, including 30 or so that Steve helped produce. Lake life in Texas sees them playing golf and maintain their car collection which includes a 1931 Ford Model A Pickup Truck, a 1964 Ford Falcon Convertible, and a Malibu SS Convertible, all restored and striking in appearance.
A foggy Tuesday morning saw them leave Pippa Passes for Stanton, Virginia, but Steve and Kathleen plan to return to the Purpose Road the next time they find themselves driving through Kentucky.
“We loved the mission of the school but never made it this direction before. We took a scenic route on the way here and it was definitely worth it,” Kathleen recalls, “It was so nice to meet a generation of young people that were so hospitable. We may be far from Texas, but we have felt right at home.”
Through Steve and Kathleen, it’s easy to see how God uses the ministry of character and the philosophy of the Purpose Road to work miracles. As the ALC family grows, so does the mission. Alice Lloyd College may be nestled deep in the foothills of Appalachia, but the philosophy of the Purpose Road touches hearts and souls coast to coast and from the highest mountain to the deepest valley.