Mike Davis: Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient, and one of GovState’s Own
By Lisa Redmond, Senior Editorial Writer
For Governors State University (GovState) student, Mike Davis, the drive to help fellow veterans was second nature and this mission to support them ultimately led him to GovState’s Interdisciplinary Leadership Doctoral (INLD) program (Ed. D.), with a concentration in Not for Profit/Social Entrepreneurship Leadership.
A veteran of the United States Navy, Mike has nearly seven years of active-duty service as a third-class petty officer and senior line corpsman for the 8th Engineering Support Battalion. While stationed in Camp Lejeune, he deployed to Afghanistan twice and was awarded the Purple Heart (a solemn distinction that means a service member has greatly sacrificed themselves, or paid the ultimate price, while in the line of duty), Navy Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, and multiple letters of recognition.
After transitioning from the armed service in January 2015, Mike began working with veterans’ organizations, helping veterans receive the care and benefits that they deserved. Because of this, he received many inquiries regarding getting help for other veterans.
“They all had one thing in common,” said Mike, “the lack of resources and access to care for returning veterans. I felt the call to action while searching for a way to help address this. A
former service member told me about the Ed. D. in Interdisciplinary Leadership program at GovState. I researched the program and knew right away that this was the best way I could explore more effective ways to address veterans’ issues.”
Mike began working on his doctoral degree in the fall of 2022. Since then, he has also co-founded a consulting firm to help veterans, is in the process of creating a new chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. at GovState, and is also currently researching effective business practices to enhance veterans’ services.
“GovState has helped me by fast-tracking my goals; I have already been working with organizations using the knowledge and skills I have obtained to help create new programs and show them how to create strategies and effective business models to enhance veterans' care and access to services,” said Mike.
He said that the GovState staff also awakened a new passion that he never thought possible, becoming a college professor. Recently awarded the Diversifying Higher Education Faculty in Illinois (DFI) Fellowship, Mike is a shooting star.
The Veterans Resource Center at GovState offers support and help for the whole Veteran student. This includes mental wellness benefits and training, career planning assistance, transfer credit matching, and Veteran-centered events and programs. Click here to donate.