Rebecca Malzahn
JOU 2303
Moody-Hall
Wonder Woman: No Task is Too Great for Tommye Lou Davis
Polished, poised and personable is too humble a way to describe the life and legacy of such a woman as Tommye Lou Davis. So often in today’s high-speed culture, it is hard to catch a breath from all the hustle and bustle. But from watching football games with her grandchildren to making new Baylor friends at an abroad constituency, Tommye Lou is a complete package.
Little Rock, Ark. native, Tommye Lou Davis, is the first to admit that she is incredibly blessed. In 1966 when Tommye Lou joined the Baylor network as a student, she had a dream of what student-faculty engagement could look like. Now, 45 years later, Tommye Lou is one of the greatest communicators Baylor University has ever known. She has not only shared her wisdom in the classroom, but guides and befriends thousands of Baylor students who remain a part of her life years after their departure. Tommye Lou is a one-of-a kind woman and takes no credit for herself.
“If I were to sum up my life, I would sum it up by saying I am uniquely blessed. I have a lot of interests and throughout my life’s journey, God has provided a pathway for me to use the gifts and talents that he has given me. My calling, what I love to do, is what I do every day.”
A day in the life of Tommye Lou Davis is far from ordinary and even further from boring. The ten different components of the network that Tommye Lou is a part of, constantly require her to be on the balls of her feet, ready for anything to come her way. Between Governmental Relations, the Sports Network, the Business Network, the Global Network, Women’s Council, Parent’s League, Young Grads, Future Alumni Network and Community Relations, her days at work are always very interesting. Critical things must take precedence and it is Tommye Lou’s job to ensure that the most important things are looked at first.
It is not hard to tell that Tommye Lou truly enjoys every aspect of not only her job, but her life. One of her favorite things to be involved in is her sorority that she sponsors, Kappa Kappa Gamma. Living the selfless life that Tommye Lou leads is no easy task. Often times a day for Tommye Lou involves skipping lunch, or staying late to finish a meeting. It takes a special kind of person to do what she does on a daily basis. Upon appointing Tommye Lou as vice president for constituent engagement, President Ken Starr had nothing but good things to say.
“We are fortunate to have as remarkably competent and extraordinarily talented an individual as Tommye Lou to step into this important position."
Tommye Lou focuses her entire career around the students of Baylor University. Students have always been Tommye Lou’s passion. From when she was a freshman in college; to the first day she taught in a classroom four years later; to when she was appointed by President Starr as associate dean of the Honors College, associate professor of classics and Master Teacher, and as vice president for constituent engagement on his executive council, students were Tommye Lou’s main focus.
“To me that’s why we’re here. If you totally divorce yourself from students, then what are you doing for the Baylor campus? If you’re not in touch with student life, then you’re really out of touch with the campus.”
She has touched the lives of hundreds including Kappa president, Mary Bentley.
“If I could be half the woman that Tommye Lou is when I am her age, I will be happy. It is such a blessing to know someone like her.”
Tommye Lou is a positive role model to all. Her contagious smile seems to be endless even in times of adversity. What a wonder woman she is.
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