The Minnesota Conference is excited to announce that James Davis, Jr. began to serve Aug. 1 as education superintendent. Davis comes from Battle Creek, Michigan, with 22 years of education experience. Most recently, he served as principal at Battle Creek Academy, where he oversaw 18 staff and more than 100 students.

Prior to his tenure at Battle Creek Academy, Davis served as vice principal and math teacher for grades 7-10 at Walker Memorial Academy in Avon Park, Florida. His career started at Sunnydale Adventist Academy in Centralia, Missouri, as the technology director and math and physics instructor.

In 2014, Davis earned a graduate certificate from Andrews University in educational leadership. He also holds a Master of Arts degree in architecture studies from University of Missouri—Columbia, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in physics from Southern Adventist University.

“Adventist education should be designed in such a way that the students we find in our classrooms are set up for success,” says Davis in his Philosophy of Education statement. “Amazingly, at the turn of the previous century, our church was provided with a plan that can address the challenges and desires we face today. In 1903, the book Education was published. Written by Ellen White, it put forth a plan that is perfect for the needs of today’s students. In this book are many recommendations that, if revisited and further implemented in our schools, will set us apart and provide a quality program that is uniquely Adventist.”

Davis has been married to his wife, Karon, for 24 years. They have three boys, ranging in ages from 12 to 20 years old.