Ruth Ann Davis

Ruth Ann Davis (May 25, 1936 – September 18, 2009) was an American educator and academic who lived and worked in the U.S. states of Michigan and West Virginia. Davis was born in Keyser, West Virginia, in 1936 and graduated from Keyser High School as valedictorian and an honor student in 1954. She earned an Associate of Arts degree in pre-medicine from Potomac State College of West Virginia University in 1956, her Bachelor of Arts in pre-medicine at West Virginia University in 1959, her Master of Science degree in zoology from West Virginia University in 1964, and her Doctor of Philosophy degree in physiology from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 1969.

From 1968 to 1981, Davis served as the medical technologies and laboratory supervisor at Sinai Hospital (present-day Sinai-Grace Hospital), and in 1983, she served as a clinical instructor at Ross Medical Education Center. In 1983, Davis returned to Keyser to care for her elderly parents, and served as a professor of biology and chemistry at Potomac State College, where she taught courses in chemistry, biology, medical science, nursing, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). In 1995, Davis was named Potomac State College's Outstanding Professor of the Year. She was promoted to full professor in 1998, retired in 2001, and was granted the status of professor emerita of biology and chemistry in 2002.

In 2008, Davis made a large monetary donation to Potomac State College to support scholarships in nursing in memory of her mother, Ruth Ward Davis. It was the largest-ever single contribution made to the college. Davis died in Keyser in 2009.

Early life and education Ruth Ann Davis was born in Keyser, West Virginia, on May 25, 1936. She was the only child of George Davis and his wife Ruth Ward Davis. Davis attended Keyser High School, where she was a winner of West Virginia's Golden Horseshoe Award, and graduated as valedictorian and honor student in 1954. She then earned her Bachelor of Arts in pre-medicine at West Virginia University in 1959. Davis then pursued graduate work at West Virginia University, where she worked as a graduate teaching assistant at the Department of Biology from 1959 to 1962. Davis's dissertation was on platelet cothromboplastin, and a comparative study of platelet factor III and factor VII.

Academic career

From 1968 to 1981, Davis served as the medical technologies and laboratory supervisor at Sinai Hospital (present-day Sinai-Grace Hospital). In 1983, she served as a clinical instructor at Ross Medical Education Center. This award recognized professors' excellence in teaching, community service, and professional development or research. The following year, she was granted the status of professor emerita of biology and chemistry.

Organizational affiliations and philanthropy Ruth Ann Davis served as a longtime faculty sponsor and adviser of Potomac State College's Life Sciences Club. In addition, she was a faculty member of the Alpha Epsilon Delta chapter at West Virginia University, an honor society for pre-medical students.

In October 2008, Davis made a substantial, income-producing donation of approximately $1 million to the West Virginia University Foundation on behalf of Potomac State College. The reception was attended by Davis's friends, family, and former colleagues and students. Potomac State College also recognized Davis' gift by compiling a memory book containing memories shared by Davis's former students, faculty colleagues, and friends.

Later life and death While in Keyser, Davis lived at 161 Center Street but due to poor health, she moved to Moran Manor Health Care Center in Westernport, Maryland. Davis died on September 18, 2009, at Potomac Valley Hospital in Keyser. Her funeral service was held at Markwood Funeral Home on September 22, which was followed by a memorial reception at the campus of Potomac State College. Davis's ashes were inurned at Queens Meadow Point Cemetery, Keyser.