Faculty Distinguished Service Award - Current Winner

Tracy S. Davis

2025 Faculty Distinguished Service Award Winner 

From 2022 to 2024, Dr. Tracy Davis, Assistant Professor of Educational Linguistics from the Department of English Language & Literature, served as the Academic Senate chair, where she was known for promoting active engagement during meetings and ensuring all perspectives were considered in discussions. She also played a key role in developing a proposed revised General Education program as part of CMU’s Quality Initiative for the Higher Learning Commission reaffirmation process. Additionally, she led efforts to establish the University’s freedom of expression policy statement and was influential in the campus-wide implementation of the new End-Of-Course survey question set, working closely with all colleges to do so.

As Academic Senate chair, Dr. Davis was also involved in several important committees, including the Board of Trustees/Faculty Liaison Committee, the Academic Planning Council, and  CMU’s Assessment Council.  Additionally, she was a key member of both the President and Provost Search Advisory Committees. Her nominator was sure to point out that “Tracy is one of the most engaged individuals I have met in her service roles, both by bringing her important perspectives and by being respectful of everyone's contributions.”

Dr. Davis currently serves as co-director of CMU’s Center for Learning through Games and Simulations, where she works with faculty across different colleges and disciplines to integrate innovative learning strategies into their instructional practices. She continues to be dedicated to student success, not only through traditional academic structures but also by creating new learning methods and environments. Her reputation consistently fosters collaboration, all the while championing initiatives that directly benefit faculty and students.