AUCON is pleased to welcome Professor Alison Davis, who brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role at Auburn University College of Nursing.
The Austell, Ga., native received her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Medical College of Georgia, her master’s from Duke University, and her doctor of philosophy in nursing from Georgia Baptist College of Nursing at Mercer University. Her professional journey began after graduation, working in the NICU and practicing across several states, accompanying her husband during his military service until his retirement.
Davis deeply connects with AUCON’s mission and sees significant opportunities for research that can benefit both the profession and the community served by the college. According to her, she chose nursing to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives, striving to improve both health outcomes and the healthcare system. Inspired by her parents, both educators, she naturally gravitated toward teaching and mentoring nursing students during her clinical practice.
She has extensive academic experience in nursing education and leadership roles. Since fall 2025, she has held the position of PhD coordinator and professor of nursing at AUCON. Previously, she held several key positions at LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans, including professor of nursing, director of the MSN Nurse Educator Program, associate professor of clinical nursing, director of the Nursing Skills & Technology Center, and assistant professor of nursing, spanning from 2014 to 2025. Her earlier academic roles include assistant professor of nursing at William Carey University, nursing instructor at Georgia Highlands College, and clinical instructor at Kennesaw State University. Throughout her career, she has been actively involved in nursing education, program leadership, and simulation-based learning.
“As a nurse educator, I believe students learn best in a supportive environment where they can think critically and apply knowledge to practice,” she said. She hopes her students will acquire the knowledge, skills, and confidence to provide safe, evidence-based care, while also appreciating the significance of continuous learning and research in advancing nursing. She emphasizes a student-centered approach that highlights active learning, the development of clinical judgment, building professional identity, and lifelong learning.
Looking ahead, Davis plans to conduct research in maternal health and is enthusiastic about teaching research and guiding students through the dissertation process. She believes in the strong connection between teaching and research, actively integrating current evidence and her own scholarship into the classroom to model the roles of nurse educator and researcher. She aims to inspire students to “value inquiry, engage in discovery, and recognize the impact of research on patient care and the nursing profession.”
To maintain her well-being, Davis prioritizes work-life balance by dedicating time to personal interests such as family, travel, and gardening.
Professor Alison Davis’ leadership promises to inspire the next generation of nurse leaders and researchers.
