Meaghan Davis

she+they 

OVERVIEW

I am dedicated to developing and implementing innovative and transformative educational experiences with students and colleagues through which we can all flourish. My areas of expertise include peer education, leadership development, student support, community and culture creation, pedagogy, curriculum (re)design, staff and faculty development, student retention, learning communities, first-year experience, new student orientation, co-curricular programming, facilitation and public speaking, project management, and event planning and implementation. My ultimate commitment is to co-create liberatory spaces in higher education. 

EDUCATION 

EdD in Education Leadership and Equity, Anticipated May 2024

New England College, Henniker, NH

Dissertation: Co-Creating Liberatory Spaces in Higher Education 

MA in Education, Curriculum and Instruction 

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Thesis: Developing Students' Historical Understanding Through Authentic and Interactive Learning Experiences

Graduate Certificates

  • Nonprofit Management, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

  • Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

  • Advanced International Human Rights: Human Right to Education, Global School for Socioeconomic Rights, Oslo, Norway

  • College Advising, Columbia University Teachers College, New York, NY

BS in Education 

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

BA in History 

University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT

Study Abroad at the University of Ireland, Galway 

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

Director, First Year Experience                                                                                                               2022 - Present 

Assistant Director of Student Leadership & Professional Development                                       2020 - 2022

Academic Advisor and Transfer Coordinator                                                                                              2019-2020

St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY

  • Founded a comprehensive and scaled peer education model for student development called the Peer Leadership Academy. Recruited, interviewed, trained, supervised, and mentored a team of student leaders each year. 

  • Organized and actualized the first-ever campus-wide Student Leadership Conference, a collaborative and professional event entirely run by student leaders for student leaders. 

  • Spearheaded the inception of an inaugural First-Year Experience Office. Apply data-driven strategies to assess and improve student engagement in the first year resulting in improved D, F, and W rates and increased retention rates. A recorded 94% of students agreed that FYE is relevant to them and a space in which they learned essential skills such as writing professional emails and accessing academic technology platforms. 

  • Redesigned the first-year course curriculum and paired it with the Peer Leadership Academy to provide diverse role models for first-year students, strengthen students’ sense of belonging, and provide hands-on leadership development opportunities for peer leaders. A recorded 96% of students agreed that their experience was engaging, which led to 93% of students agreeing that FYE led them to develop a strong sense of belonging.

  • Taught dozens of sections of FYE courses in varying modalities to thousands of first-year students. Created and implemented extensive and impactful lessons to ensure students are connected and prepared to succeed. 

  • Embedded co-curricular badging into the first-year experience course curriculum via an FYE Pathway that included eight uniquely built badges linked directly to course assignments and participation. Achieved a 90% participation rate among first-year students, and advanced the institutional strategic plan. 

  • Launched Learning Communities for first-semester students. Coordinated with academic department chairs, academic advisors, and academic deans, to ensure LCs were executed with precision. Conducted training and produced asynchronous resources for LC faculty, securing funding for any adjuncts who participated. 

  • Developed and executed a reimagined New Student Orientation program for first-year and transfer students to improve RSVP rates, decrease no-show rates, and achieve a 98% return rate on the second day. Pioneered a brand new Orientation Leader program in concert with the improved New Student Orientation model. 

  • Partnered with Student Affairs to ensure Title IX compliance, and installed Title IX training in FYE. 

  • Co-constructed a campus Resource Pantry with Student Affairs and initiated the inclusion of service to the sustainability of the Resource Pantry into the FYE course. Facilitated collecting and organizing thousands of donations through a campus-wide project once every semester. 

  • Served on the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, and the Climate Survey subcommittee. Collaborated with an outside organization to develop and implement the survey, then evaluate and communicate the results. 

  • Contributed to a team of leaders in Academic Affairs to organize student support staff retreats and professional development opportunities that prioritized welcoming new staff, recognizing staff accomplishments, coordinating work across offices, and co-creating an inclusive and equity-focused institutional culture.

  • Generated a community of student support staff across divisions and offices to initiate campus-wide programming and significantly increase collaboration and dismantle silos.

  • Developed, implemented, and assessed campus-wide student leadership initiatives. Prepared programming to support academic success, career exploration, professional skills, leadership and personal growth, and project development. One example is called the Driven by Dreams Development Series. 

  • Provided intensive student success support and academic advisement to a caseload of 400 undergraduate pre-nursing students in one-on-one, small group, and workshop formats.

  • Evaluated transcripts and recorded transfer credits for all students who earned credit at other institutions. 

Founder and Director                                                                                                                                  2013-Present 

The BRAVE Institute, New York                                                                                                                                           

  • Consult with schools and organizations on peer education, leadership development, student support, community and culture creation, pedagogy, curriculum (re)design, staff, and faculty development, curriculum development, and diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

  • Plan and facilitate conferences, presentations, assemblies, keynote speeches, and workshops for K-12, undergraduate, and graduate students as well as educators and other professionals.

  • Prepared and implemented domestic and international service learning experiences for participants to engage in direct action for sustainable change. Spearheaded fundraising efforts as well as secured grants totaling $12,000. 

  • Select Community Service Projects: Birthing Kit Assembly to create hundreds of supply kits with resources for a healthy birthing experience for women and families in partnership with Zonta, February 2020; Walk for Water Event in partnership with H2O for Life to raise money and awareness for access to clean water for schools and communities in need, 2016, 2019, 2020; Financed and contributed to the construction of a school in partnership with Ir Ver Hacer in Imbert, Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Summer 2017; Hosted meal packaging in partnership with Feeding Children Everywhere to assemble thousands of healthy meals for communities in need May 2014, May 2015; Send a Girl to School Campaign in partnership with Heifer International to provide an annual scholarship for school fees available for dozens of students in need, October 2013-2018. 

  • Created and facilitated leadership, advocacy, and movement-building training programs in 15 schools and communities, with over 1,000 unique participants.

  • Designed and implemented a BRAVE organization internship program, including a course for college undergraduate students to earn academic credits. Recruited, interviewed, trained, supervised, and mentored 12-18 undergraduate college interns each semester.

  • Partnered with teachers, administrators, families, community members, local businesses, and other nonprofits to host events and carry out projects. 

  • Led the Board of Directors in establishing and maintaining the organization's legal status, finances, and board governance. 

Ambassador for New York State                         2019-2021 

  • Amplified the work of organizations and individuals at the forefront of the fight for gender equity.

  • Provided tools, access, and connections that help women break down the barriers of gender inequity.

  • Partnered with Supermajority to execute a coalition-building initiative connecting grassroots folks doing gender equity work to resources.

Counselor                                                                                                                                                               2018 - 2019

Roger Lehecka Double Discovery Center, Columbia University, New York, NY                                        

  • Counseled a caseload of low-income, first-generation high school students in the college preparation and admissions processes; including financial, academic, and social-emotional support. 

  • Led the development and implementation of a new initiative, Healthy Minds and Bodies, in response to compelling student survey data regarding their social-emotional health and well-being. 

  • Created and facilitated supplementary programming for students; including a student success skills development workshops series, community building events, service learning and direct action projects, yoga and meditation sessions, and recreation opportunities. 

  • Coordinated and communicated with parents, families, teachers, guidance counselors, and other community partners engaged in the support of students in the college preparation and admissions processes. 

  • Led undergraduate students' professional development training for their roles as tutors, mentors, and leaders.  

  • Established and co-advised a brand new, student-led, Double Discovery Center Student Council. 

Student Success Counselor                                                                                                                           2015 - 2018

Center for Academic Excellence, University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT                                                                             

  • Implemented intensive student success counseling in one-on-one, small group, and workshop formats.

  • Collaborated with faculty and staff across campus to support student learning and development.

  • Contributed extensive programming to the summer bridge initiatives, designed to support low-incoming and first-generation student support in their transition to college. 

  • Spearheaded the creation and management of a digital archive of multi-media resources for academic success.

  • Expanded available academic success support from one person to a team of six, with five newly trained tutors.

  • Developed and supervised all Peer Mentors embedded in all First Year Seminar courses. 

  • Created and piloted a program for the continuation of student leadership development called the Jays Network. 

  • Facilitated major events at Welcome Week and beyond in a campus-wide effort to increase student engagement.

  • Cross-trained student leaders, including tutors, resident assistants, orientation leaders, and others. 

TEACHING EXPERIENCE 

Adjunct Faculty Education Department                                                                                                2020-Present 

St. Francis College, Education Department, Brooklyn, NY    

Courses Taught: Foundations of Education (Undergraduate), Social Studies Methods (Undergraduate)

Adjunct Faculty Education Department                                                                                                     2016 - 2018

School of Education, University of Saint Joseph, West Hartford, CT

Courses Taught:  Social Studies Methods (Undergraduate), Science and Social Studies as Continuous Inquiry (Graduate)                                                                                                        

  • Prepare course syllabi and develop assignments and projects aligned with course objectives.

  • Implemented courses in person, online asynchronous, and online synchronous using Zoom and Canvas. 

  • Participate in department meetings and department assessment initiatives. 

  • Actively engaged with and supported students outside of class through office hours and email. 

  • Provided thoughtful feedback on all class assignments and projects promptly.

Classroom Teacher, 2012 – 2014

Social Studies Department, Conard High School, West Hartford, CT  

  • Taught four classes with two preps, including Modern World History, United States History, American Government, and Human Rights.

  • Served at-risk students in the alternative school within the district called REACH.

  • Prepared unit plans and lesson plans in order to implement strong social studies lessons. Assessed students’ work and assigned grades, communicated with students and parents, as well as collaborated with colleagues. 

  • Worked on a team of teachers who redesigned the United States History curriculum for the district. 

  • Actively participated in department meetings, faculty meetings, school and community events, and professional development on a department and school-wide level. 

  • Advised and coached student clubs, organizations, sports teams, and student government groups.                                                                                                                                                                                

First Year Experience Instructor 2012 - 2016

First-Year Programs, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT   

  • Taught one section per semester of weekly first-year experience courses to undergraduate college students.

  • Partnered with and developed one undergraduate mentor in each course section.

HONORS

Duns Scotus Honor Society Honorary Inductee, nominated by student inductees                        2023

St. Francis College 

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Honorary Inductee, nominated by student inductees               2023 

First Year Experience, St. Francis College

Mental Health Advocate Award                                                                                                                          2022 

Division of Student Affairs: Health and Wellness, St. Francis College 

Franciscan Spirit Award                                                                                                                                        2022

Division of Student Affairs, St. Francis College 

Nominated Changemaker Award                                                                                                                      2016, 2018

United State of Women National Summit, Washington DC and Los Angeles 

Featured Story: Multimedia Exhibit and Book, “Inspiring Equity”                                                             2017

West Hartford Town Hall, West Hartford, CT

Outstanding FYE Instructor of the Year                                                                                                      2012, 2014 

First-Year Programs, University of Connecticut

Outstanding Early Career Professional Nominee                                                                                           2013

Neag School of Education Alumni, University of Connecticut 

Thomas P. Weinland Award     2011

Awarded for academic excellence and demonstrated commitment to teach social studies.

Neag School of Education Alumni, University of Connecticut 

Dunn International Studies Award     2011

University of Connecticut

Global Citizenship Award     2009

University of Connecticut

SELECT PRESENTATIONS

Workshops 

  • “Brave Spaces for LGBTQIAP+ Students.” (2019, 2020, 2022, 2023) Harcum College, Brwyn Mar, PA. 

  • “Building Brave Classroom Culture.” (2021, 2022) St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY. 

  • “Graduate Student Association Leadership Day.” (2019) Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. 

  • “Personal Leadership and Self-Empowerment.” (2019) Barnard College, New York, NY.  

  • “Creating Brave Spaces: Strategies for Our Work with Students.” (2019) Elmont Public Schools and ASPIRE, Elmont, NY. 

  • “Teaching and Learning for Social Justice.” (2018) Doc Wayne Nonprofit Organization, Boston, MA. 

  • “Reflect and Connect: Brave Leadership and Communication.” (2018) Sacred Heart University, Fairfield, CT. 

  • “Developing YOUR Leadership Identity.” (2018) University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT.

  • “Time Management and Balance as a Leader.” (2017) University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT. 

  • “Diversity and Leadership” (2017) Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. 

  • “The Universal Declaration for Human Rights.” (2014) Workshop for Human Rights Day, West Hartford, CT.

Keynote Addresses

  • “Transformative Leadership: The Ultimate Ripple Effect.” (2023) Student Today, Leaders Forever: Student Leadership Conference, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY. 

  • “Live Brave: Leadership and Education for Social Justice.” (2019) Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ. 

  • “Teaching and Learning for Social Justice.” (2018) University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT. 

  • “Non Negotiables for Living Brave.” (2017) University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT. 

  • “USJ WOW Kickoff.” (2017) University of St. Joseph, West Hartford, CT. 

  • “Leadership for Social Justice.” (2017) 20th Annual Diversity Conference at Wesleyan University, Middletown, CT. 

Conference Presentations 

  • “Understanding First Year Students.” (2023) Center for Advancement of Faculty Excellence, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY. 

  • “Women’s Leadership Forum.” (2021, 2022) St. Francis College, Virtual. 

  • “Brave Leadership.” (2020) United State of Young Women Conference, Virtual.  

  • “LGBTQIAP+ Pride in the Professional Space” (2020) St. Francis College, Virtual. 

  • “Be Brave: Developing Student Leaders Through Service Learning.” (2017) National Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference, San Francisco, CA. 

  • “Who is ready to change the world?: Using Tech for Good.” (2017) Millennial Event at Digital Citizenship Summit, Provo, UT. 

  • “Be Brave: Taking Action in Action!” (2016) Connecticut Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference.

  • “Women’s History, Women’s Rights and Feminism: An Application of the New Social Studies Frameworks.” (2015) Connecticut Council for the Social Studies Annual Conference.

  • “Feminist Leadership.” (2015) Girl Up Conference, West Haven, CT.

PODCASTS AND PUBLICATIONS

“Learning Communities with Dr. Sara Rzeszutek and Meaghan Davis.” (2023) Podcast Guest, Episode 01, Faculty Coffee Break hosted by Dr. Molly Mann. 

“Co-Creating Liberatory Spaces in Higher Ed.” (2022) Podcast Host, 8 episodes on Spotify. 

“Challenges of LGBTQ+ Humans in the Workplace.” (2022) Podcast Guest, Thank God for Monday hosted by Brother Greg Cellini. 

“5 Ways to Deconstruct the Gender Binary in Gender Equity.” (2020) Civic Nation, Forbes Online. 

“3 Keys to Building Brave Spaces in Relationships.” (2020) Podcast Guest, Episode 03 of Expect the Unexpected, hosted by Jamiah Bennett on Spotify.  

“Living Brave with Meaghan Davis.” (2019) Podcast Guest, Season 01, Episode 06 of We are Still Becoming hosted by Dr. Delores Sarfo-Darko. 

SKILLS

Training: Title IX Training, Red Cross Psychological First Aid Certification: Supporting Yourself and Others, Global Citizenship Alliance Fellowship (2020), Mondsee, Austria (2022)

Systems: Canvas, Blackboard, EAB Navigate, Badgr, Ellucian Colleague 

Tools: Google Drive, MS Office, Zoom, Canva, OtterAI, Dropbox, Video Editor, Instagram, Spotify