William Davis
Professor of Education

William Davis joined the faculty of the University of Maine in 1969, one year after receiving his doctorate in Educational Psychology with a major in Special Education from the University of Connecticut. Since he arrived the place has never been the same!  He is known for his teaching, research, service and sense of humor.

During Bill’s 39 years of service to the University he has taught classes in special education and alternative education for students-at-risk.  He is renowned for his successful teaching and truly loved by the vast majority of his students.  Many of the special education teachers and directors across Maine took classes from Bill and remember him as an extremely knowledgeable and caring teacher.  In addition to his teaching reputation across the State, he is known for his service to kindergarten through grade twelve special needs students and special education programs throughout Maine and beyond.

Bill served in many leadership positions including the Coordinator of Programs in Special Education for eight years and the founder of the Institute for the Study of Students At Risk in 1987.  He served as the director of the Institute until his retirement in January 2008, bringing millions of dollars to the University.

In recognition of his leadership in special education and alternative education, he received the Distinguished Doctoral Alumnus in Special Education from the University of Connecticut award and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Maine Directors of Special Education in 2005.

In 1988 when he received the Distinguished Doctoral Alumnus award, it was noted that Dr, Davis had published 4 books, more than 40 articles, over 30 professional refereed papers and acquired nearly $2 million in grants to support applied research and graduate training at the University of Maine.   In the last 20 years, he has continued to acquire grant funds and produce scholarly works at the same robust rate.  His grants have funded the Institute for the Study of Students At Risk to this day and he has produced 99 major papers and publications.

In summary, Professor William Davis is a consummate researcher, leader and teacher who has served both the University and the State of Maine for thirty-nine years.  And he has kept his colleagues smiling and some times bent over in laughter. Thank you, Bill, and best wishes in retirement.