The Reverend Janice (Love) Davis, M.S. ’53

2025 Distinguished Alumni Award for Professional Achievement: College of Arts & Sciences

A passionate and dedicated leader, The Reverend Janice (Love) Davis, M.S. ’53 has spent her life inspiring and empowering others through her unwavering commitment to faith, education and service at every level of the church.

Davis grew up in a liberal American Baptist Church in West Allis, WI, where she developed a deep sense of belonging through her involvement in Sunday school and church services, often sitting with her grandmother. Her active participation continued into junior high when she joined the youth choir, and in high school, she became a member of the senior choir and the Baptist Youth Fellowship (BYF). Her leadership skills emerged early, and she eventually became the President of the State BYF.

It was during a State Conference Event that Davis felt a calling to ministry and discerned her path toward becoming a Christian Educator. She began her academic journey at the University Extension in Milwaukee before transferring to Carroll, where she majored in Bible and religious education.

Upon graduating in 1953, she married a minister, moved to Mukwonago and became a Congregationalist. During this time, she paused her career to focus on her roles as a pastor’s spouse and mother to three children—Timothy, Lori and Stephen—while remaining involved in church life, attending workshops, and developing her gifts.

In 1970, Davis pursued a master’s degree in educational psychology with a focus on human growth and learning at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Following graduation, she was called to serve as the Director of Christian Education at First Presbyterian Church in Green Bay, where she remained for ten years. During her second year there, her husband, Al, passed away, and she became a single mother.

Davis was later called to Union Congregational United Church of Christ (UCC) in Green Bay, where she served as Minister of Christian Education and Parish Life. During this time, she began preparations for ordination through independent study with a professor at Lakeland College. On Feb. 4, 1990, Davis was ordained.

After five years at Union Church, Davis relocated to Des Moines, IA, where she served as Minister of Education at Plymouth Congregational UCC, a 3,000-member church. After three years, she transitioned to Interim Ministry, using her expertise in Christian education to serve St. John’s UCC in Melbourne. This role proved a natural fit, and she went on to serve in interim positions at nine local churches across Wisconsin. She also served two terms as Interim Association Minister for the Northeast Wisconsin Association, contributing two and a half years to the regional church’s growth and development.

In addition to her church leadership roles, Davis has been an active and dedicated supporter of Carroll University. She supports Carroll financially and through her attendance at Green Bay Alumni and Friends Gatherings, as well as Homecoming and Reunion Weekend on campus. Most notably, she celebrated her 70th Reunion on campus in 2023.

Davis was active in the wider church, focusing on Christian education, stewardship and outreach. She chaired the Conference Commission on Christian Education, led workshops and taught courses in Christian education and church administration at the Lay Academy program. For 28 years, she served on the Great Lakes Association United Church Educators (GLAUCE) Coordinating Committee, where she played a crucial role in planning continuing education for church educators. In retirement, she continues to attend events and meetings as a participant and an encouraging presence.

These are just a few of the many ways Davis continues to share her gifts and make a lasting impact. Reflecting on her journey, she views it as a blend of wonder, challenge, and excitement. Davis has positively impacted countless lives and is a testament to the power of faith, education and service in transforming lives and communities.

See all the 2025 award recipients