Nancy Taggart Davis, Ph.D Professor of Pathology      PO. Box 195                                Office: (609)652-4494 Pomona, NJ 08240-0195            Fax: (609)778-3697

Personal Profile

Why Stockton? What kept you focused here? Stockton was a brand new college when I first came and it offered a new faculty member a chance to grow with it. It was exciting for me to be involved in the planning of the health science programs. Its unique general studies program allowed (and still does) faculty some variation in what they can teach and a chance to work with students in a broad range of majors. I have a chance here to know my students and enjoy them as human beings. I have learned a great deal from students. Learning is a mutal process, and when the professor stops learning from students, he or she should retire. What keeps me focused is change and meeting new challenges. I have never become bored with my job because I always have the opportunity to branch out and try something different, such as my recent training in distance learning. It is great to have a job where you are paid to think and learn.

The Stockton Difference:Learning is a mutual and interactive process; one is always learning from his or her peers and students. As a faculty member, I prize individuality in my peers and students. Education is a series of debates where faculty are encouraging students to begin a life-long process of learning and striving for individuality and excellence. I hope that students learn from their peers and mentors, and as the learning process evolves they begin to develop independent logical thoughts of their own.

Best Recollection at RSCNJ: I have many best recollections, but most of them relate to the success of my students. Recently, a student commented to me after an exam, "I really don't care what my grade is because I have learned so much." I receive wonderful letters from students telling how my course helped them get a job or get through graduate school. A number of years ago I was honored by the alumni as a "distinguished faculty and honorary alumna." These are the kinds of things that make me feel best about my job.

Future Plans: To expand my education in distance learning and attain certification; there are going to be significant changes in education with new technology. To work with faculty on all levels to assure the best use of distance learning. To take a sabbatical and work with people from other parts of the world. To continue to explore new ideas and serve as a positive role model for another generation of students.