Joshua Davis
Class of 2010
Hometown: Lumberton, North Carolina
Major: Government and Music
Joshua Davis is a man of big dreams, high ideals and numerous life experiences. He spent one year at Evangel in 2003/04 as a freshman, and then enlisted in the Army, spending three years in active combat. Throughout that time he had one goal in mind — coming back to finish his degree at Evangel University.
He is now back at Evangel and will graduate in December of 2010. This student/drill sergeant has a big heart for children and an even bigger passion to reach the lost, specifically the Arab people he got to know as a soldier. Despite his demanding schedule, Joshua has made time to invest in the lives of children, volunteering with the Big Brother, Big Sister program for a year and a half. He will be traveling abroad next semester to jump-start his two-year program at the Arabic Language Institute at the American University of Cairo, Egypt.
Why did you choose Evangel?
Honestly, you may think this is crazy, but I actually didn't think I would be attending college. I graduated high school with a 3.9 grade point average, but I had failed to apply for any scholarships or apply for admission at any colleges. It was July 2003 when I picked up a copy of the Pentecostal Evangel, and there was an ad for Evangel University on the back cover. I called the number, spoke with an admissions counselor, and I decided to come based on that picture, the Web site, and the friendliness of my admissions counselor. I spent one year at Evangel and then did three years active duty in the Army.
I chose to come back to Evangel because the curriculum is top notch, the professors are dedicated and devoted, the Holy Spirit’s presence is strong, I made a lot of friends, and the Springfield area is a great place to live.
Did you visit Evangel before enrolling?
No. My first time at Evangel was the day before I moved in to the dorms my freshman year in the fall of 2003. For that matter, I had never even been to Springfield before.
Did you receive financial aid?
I was a recipient of an academic scholarship as well as federal financial aid. Upon my return from my military service, I was awarded several Music Department scholarships, Social Science Department scholarships, and I continue to receive aid from the federal government.
Did you overcome any obstacles in coming to Evangel?
I overcame the cost. My advice to any student who wants to attend Evangel is just to come. You’d be surprised what the staff in the financial aid department here on campus can do for you. I also overcame many other obstacles when I got off of active duty and returned to Evangel. It took a little bit of adjusting to get used to the civilian life again.
How did you decide on your majors?
At first, I picked music because I was good at it. But, after my return from Baghdad, Iraq and the military, I felt the Lord leading me in a new direction. I decided to finish my music degree, but I also added a government degree. I now have a passion for the Middle East and the people as well as their culture. I will actually be moving to Egypt in August of this year to study.
Tell us about your plans to study Arabic in Egypt.
I will be getting married at the end of this May to the love of my life, Leah Hendrick. At the end of the summer, she will attend Evangel for one more semester while I travel to Egypt for a study-abroad program. I will actually be studying in Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Syria and Egypt. I will then return to Springfield in December, move out of my apartment, and I will then take my wife with me and move back to Egypt in January. I will be spending 18-24 months at the Arabic Language Institute at the American University of Cairo to study Arabic and become fluent in the language.
As a drill sergeant for the Army Reserves, how do you balance duty and study?
DISCIPLINE!!! I would definitely have to say that college is a time to have fun and lay back, but you don’t attend school to do nothing. Too often, I hear students say they do not have time to do certain things, but it is all a matter of discipline and priorities. I am a drill sergeant in the Army Reserves, the student body vice president, a member of a couple of clubs on campus, and I also have a fiancé and a work-study job. Yet, I still find time to get my work done. Time management!
What are the benefits of attending a smaller university?
It’s a lot easier to make new friends, the professors are more personable and friendlier, everything is within walking distance, and there is a lot more of one-on-one time with the staff. Also, I feel like it is easier to make a difference on a smaller campus. I can say all this because I have had experiences at larger universities. I have taken a few classes at a state university, and the environment here at Evangel is much better.
What are your personal and career/ministry goals after college?
One thing is for sure — my desire and passion for the people of the Middle East. Toward the end of my studies at the American University of Cairo, I plan on applying for the State Department. My dream job would be a Foreign Service Officer working in the diplomatic sphere for the State Department. As far as ministry goals go, I plan on doing what every Christian should do: I will let my light shine so that all may see the glory of God and Jesus Christ working in and through me.
How has your education at Evangel prepared you for your life goals?
It has shaped my understanding of the world we live in. It has broadened my perspective of life, and helped to shape my political ideologies as well as many of my views of life in general. I really do not think I could embark on the next steps in my life if it were not for the government degree I attained here at Evangel. The professors have pushed me to question my views in order that I may be firm in my foundation. My degree in government will also help me to qualify for many of the jobs that I would like to have. Lastly, and most importantly, the Christian atmosphere and the love for Jesus Christ that is exemplified by all of my professors has helped me to realize the importance that Jesus plays and how He can have a role in every single aspect of my life. If it were not for the professors in the Social Science Department encouraging me to dream big and reach for the stars, I would not be where I am at today.
Why should a prospective student choose Evangel?
I think a student should choose Evangel because of the Christian atmosphere and the academic excellence found here. I encourage every student interested in attending Evangel to come and visit, and I could almost guarantee that they would not be disappointed. After all, I spent three years in active duty just so that I could return to Evangel. It’s a great place to be. But, ultimately, it is up to the student. I would encourage every student to follow his or her heart, but I can assure any student interested that the staff and faculty at Evangel will encourage them to become the best student they can be and to dream big and go after those dreams. Boldly Christian — Unquestionably Academic. That’s what Evangel is all about.
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