Rosa Davis
Rosa Davis has dedicated her career to mathematics education and academic leadership, with a lifelong commitment to helping students succeed. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Thiel College and her master’s degree in mathematics from Purdue University. She began her teaching career at the Ohio College of Applied Science at the University of Cincinnati, where she taught mathematics and physics and met her first husband, Michael F. Kavanaugh.
Rosa went on to teach at Bradley University, Lake Superior State University, and Grand Valley State University before joining Ozarks Technical Community College as one of its founding mathematics faculty members. At Ozarks Tech, she played a key role in building the foundation of the college’s mathematics and general education programs. Over the course of her career at the college, she served in multiple leadership roles, including Division Chair of Mathematics and Assistant Dean of General Education.
In 2009, Rosa retired from Ozarks Tech as Interim Dean of General Education. That same year, she married Richard “Rick” Davis, and they live in Nixa, Missouri, where they enjoy traveling and spending time with family and friends.
Impact
The Michael F. Kavanaugh and Rosa Kavanaugh Davis Scholarship was established by Rosa in memory of her late husband, Michael F. Kavanaugh, honoring his lifelong dedication to engineering, teaching, and educational leadership. Through this scholarship, Rosa continues their shared commitment to education by supporting students pursuing studies in engineering, mathematics, and related fields at Ozarks Tech. The scholarship reflects her belief in the transformative power of education and her desire to help students achieve opportunities that can change the course of their lives.