Skidmore College Athletics

Associate Professor Emerita of Physical Education Nancy Davis was among a small group of educators pioneering the cultivation of young women for careers in physical education and athletics. As a professor from 1948-1987, Davis inspired several generations of Skidmore students to achieve a high level of professionalism in the field of physical education and shaped the curriculum to include a firm foundation in liberal arts pedagogy, combining theory, coaching, and activity. 

In addition to supervising student teachers, she instructed tennis, archery, and racquetball, and developed the Intramural Program. Her distinctive, humanistic approach to mentoring students and young faculty, says colleague and Skidmore Professor Emerita of Physical Education Beverly Becker, set her apart in the field. "She didn't just teach subject matter; she taught individuals through physical education.  

Davis held leadership positions in the Eastern Association for Physical Education of College Women (EAPECW), the National Association for Physical Education of College Women (NAPECW), and the National Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance. She was the recipient of a Skidmore College faculty research grant, a Danforth Foundation Grant, an Outstanding Service Award from the Skidmore Alumni Association, and Honorary Membership and Merit Awards from the EAPECW.