Cynthia Kimball Davis 
Graduate Program Director of the Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) Degree | Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT, UNITED STATES
Specializing in Heart-based Hope Communication, Culture, and Leadership
Biography
Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis is the graduate program director of the master of interdisciplinary studies (MIS) degree in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (HSS). Prior to this role, Dr. Davis served at the University as the Integrative & Engaged Studies Department Chair in the former School of Integrative & Engaged Learning (SIEL). Under her leadership, the MIS degree's been ranked 3rd best in the nation by Best College Reviews and she has managed to expand enrollment by nearly 400%. Additionally, Dr. Davis is responsible for SUU hosting the international Association for Interdisciplinary Studies (AIS) Virtual Conference on Oct. 14-16, 2021.
Dr. Davis earned a B.A. in English from the University of North Carolina, an M.Ed., in education from the American Intercontinental University, a Ph.D. in education from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and is currently completing an M.A. in professional communication from Southern Utah University. Her research interests are in heart-based communication, culture and leadership, and marketing interdisciplinary studies.
Dr. Davis is married to Ryan, has five bonus children, eight grandchildren and two dogs. She loves spending time with these humans and fuzzy friends.
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Industry Expertise (3)
Training and Development
Education/Learning
Writing and Editing
Areas of Expertise (16)
Educational Outreach & Professional Development
Belonging
How to Market Interdisciplinary Studies
Heart-based Hope Communication, Culture, and Leadership
Advocacy
Belonging Research
Curriculum & Instruction
Customized Training
Educational Outreach
ESL
Interdisciplinary Studies in Higher Education
Management Training
Professional Development
Continuing Education
Curriculum & Instruction
Patient Advocacy
Education (4)
University of Nevada: Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction
Southern Utah University: M.A., Professional Communication (in-process)
American Intercontinental University Online: M.Ed., Curriculum and Instruction
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: B.A., English
Accomplishments (10)
Effective Practice: Learning Effectiveness Award (professional)
Online Learning Consortium Conference, Orlando, FL, November 2017
SUU Distinguished Faculty Service Award Nomination Finalist (professional)
2020, 2021
WUUWN Red Handed Award (professional)
2021
SUU HSS Faculty Collaboration Award Nomination (professional)
2019, 2020
SUU Influencer Award (professional)
2017, 2018, 2019, 2020
SUUWN President (Elected) (professional)
2018
SUU Board of Trustees Staff Nomination (professional)
2018
SUU Community Engaged Staff Member Nomination
2018, 2019
SUU Employee of the Month Nomination
January & March 2018
Learning Effectiveness Best-In-Strand Award
2017, Online Learning Consortium Conference, Orlando, FL
Affiliations (5)
- University Professional and Continuing Education Association
- Career & Technical and Postsecondary Education
- Online Learning Consortium
- Southern Utah University Women's Network
- Association of Interdisciplinary Studies
Links (4)
Media Appearances (8)
Learning Opportunities in the Animal Services Profession
SUU News online
2021-01-08
“One of my favorite parts about the MIS Contemporary Animal Services Leadership learning block is there is now a master’s degree option, on the national level, in animal services,” said Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis, MIS program director. “Particularly since students can now choose to study from 9-18 credits to help prepare them for positions in animal services. This is a game-changer in this field.”
Southern Utah University partners with Best Friends Animal Society to offer new animal services programs
St George News online
2020-08-14
After a partnership launch between Best Friends Animal Society and Southern Utah University to provide animal services and leadership training, the two entities announced in July that they are now moving forward to offer even more educational programming, including a certificate earning opportunity and a master’s degree emphasis.
Best Friends Animal Society and SUU Expanding Partnership
SUU News online
2020-07-10
“One of my favorite parts about the MIS Contemporary Animal Services Leadership learning block is there is now essentially a master’s degree, on the national level, in animal services,” said Cynthia Kimball Davis, Ph.D., MIS program director. “Particularly since students can now choose to study from 9-18 credits to help prepare them for positions in animal services. This is a game-changer in the field.”
Online MIS Ranked Third in Nation
SUU News online
2019-06-06
According to Dr. Cynthia Kimball Davis, chair of Integrative & Engaged Studies Department, and chair of the MIS degree, “Our MIS degree is just a year and a half old, yet this distinction is a testimony to the success of our program and the folks that have put countless research, time and energy into building it. Thus, this ranking does not surprise me.”
Southern Utah University’s Master of Interdisciplinary Studies Degree Ranks 3rd in Nation
St. George News online
2019-06-09
According to a news release from the university, the degree launched in January 2018 and currently serves more than 40 students with 15 possible programs of academic study. The degree can be completed entirely online or via a hybrid format.
Support for Hereditary Cancer Risk Assessment & Testing
Access Health online
Do you know your family’s history of cancer? If you have an inherited hereditary cancer syndrome such as Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Syndrome (HBOC) or Lynch Syndrome, your risk of developing cancer is shockingly higher than that of the general population. Knowing your family history, getting genetic testing and being proactive can ultimately help your physician prevent cancer or identify it at an earlier, more treatable stage. Watch a very special episode of Access Health on Lifetime Television and get all the facts, resources and testing information. Learn what you need to know about your family history of cancer. Find out about the 60-second hereditary cancer risk quiz that could literally save your life. Hear from some of the most knowledgeable experts in the field, including Certified Genetic Counselor Marianne Lotito and Angelina Jolie’s breast surgeon, Dr. Kristi Funk. Neither you nor your family can afford to miss this very important special presentation of Access Health.
Information is Power for Cancer Patients
Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah online
“Education is vital to the care of all cancer patients,” says Susan Childress, RN, MN, OCN, director of Nursing Services at Huntsman Cancer Hospital. “We are committed to the premise that all patients are entitled to verbal, written, and electronic education that specifically addresses their physical and psychological needs as cancer patients and survivors.” The Patient Education Steering Committee at Huntsman Cancer Institute (HCI), co-chaired by Childress, was created for that very purpose.
SUU Brings UMCA Institute and Academy to Cedar City
The Insider online
2019-01-18
“We are excited and honored to have been selected by UMCA and IIMC to host their annual institute and academy at Southern Utah University,” said Davis. “For the next three years, our goal is to deliver the highest quality of continuing education and certifications through our top-notch faculty, and others, from among several municipalities throughout the state of Utah.”
Articles (3)
Be a hope-based leader, not a fear-based one
KSLCynthia Kimball Davis
When students or participants are off base on an assignment or exercise, I work to find a way to provide feedback that will hopefully motivate change by creating an emotional connection where they are inspired to make something better and stronger.
Utah family finds joy after devastation in Haiti
Deseret NewsCynthia Kimball Davis
Brian and Tonya Wilson meet their son Tyler for the first time at The Creche Enfant Jesus orphanage in Haiti.
Ultimate touchdown: An LDS college quarterback helps a co-worker in his reception of the gospel
Deseret NewsCynthia Kimball Davis
College quarterback helps a co-worker in his reception of the gospel.
Courses (7)
EDUC 2000 Exploring Education in Society
This course explores the historical, philosophical, political and economic foundations of education in the United States. Topics include multiple perspectives, current events, and trends and issues.
GOSC 4020 General Studies Capstone
Student complete a written capstone project reflecting their varied knowledge and experience as General Studies majors.
GOSC 6000 Assessment
The study of current psychological principles of teaching and learning, and principles and techniques for developing, validating and interpreting educational measures. The use of educational measures for evaluation and planning processes.
GOSC 6900 MIS Capstone Project
n this course MIS students plan and complete a professional project as a required capstone experience. Learners will research and address a professional problem, then report the results. The project is practitioner-based and culminates learning from each of the three coursework-based learning blocks. Students will study and apply project management skills including proposal and assessment techniques, then carry out their project. A comprehensive report and presentation will serve as final deliverables.
COMM 4240 Technical Writing
This course focuses on practical types of writing used in business and industry. Using principles of analyzing and planning to meet the reader’s informational needs, students produce proposals, instructions and the various types of informative and persuasive reports used in organizations.
SGCS 6010 Classroom Management
Theory and application for creating a 21st Century learning environment are the focus for this course. Maintaining student cooperation in diverse classroom and network settings will be a focus.
BIS 2000 Success Strategies
This course will introduce students to the concepts and foundations of interdisciplinary study, focusing on discussion-generated understanding.
