Date:
4/19/2006
Contact: Wendel Sloan at 505.562.2253
Reporter: Marc Schoder
PORTALES—Dr. Dale Davis, professor of marketing at Eastern New Mexico University and the 2004 U.S. Professor of the Year for New Mexico by The Carnegie Foundation and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, has announced that he will retire on June 1 after 24 years at Eastern.
"It's time; I will turn 78 in June," said Davis. "My wife and I would like to travel more, and we believe that this is the time to do it while we are still able."
Davis has trips planned to Ireland in June, Minneapolis in July, and Hawaii in September. "My wife and I try to go to Hawaii every year," he said.
The retired Marine officer noted that, besides traveling, he has other commitments.
"I am currently committed to a textbook, as well as researching an article. Other writing projects are also a possibility," he said.
Born and raised in the western part of New York, Davis dropped out of high school to enlist in the Merchant Marine at the age of 16. After being hurt, he returned home to finish high school. After high school, he enlised in the Marine Corps. He explained that during World War II there was something called the 'World War II G.I. Bill." If one stayed in the Corps for three years, their college education would be paid for. "It seemed like a good way to get my schooling funded," he said.
Instead of going to school right away, Davis ended up staying in the service longer, eventually becoming a Lieutenant Colonel.
Davis noted that another big event coming up is the celebration of his 60th wedding anniversary in November.
"We will most likely fly our son, Carter, and our daughter, Beth, to a central location so that they can celebrate with us," said Davis. The retired marine Lt. Col. and his wife intend on staying in Portales because of the area and the people.
"When I was in the Corps, we moved 19 times in 22 years," said Davis. "Here (in Portales) we have good friends, and have built a brand new home. People here are very friendly."
Davis said that he was grateful to Eastern for allowing him to be a part of the action for the last 24 years.
"Eastern has been very good to me," said Dr. Davis. "It's been a wonderful experience."