This is part of a series of profiles of new teachers in our community.

Dr. Heather Davis is the new biology instructor at Fort Scott Community College.

Name: Dr. Heather Davis

Title of position: Biology Instructor, Fort Scott Community College

Education: Fort Scott High School 2006, Associate of Science- Cowley College 2008, Bachelor of Science in Biology- Pittsburg State University 2010, Master of Science & Doctor of Chiropractic- Logan College 2014

Experience: No prior formal teaching experience, but extensive education and background in the sciences.

Age: 30

Family: Husband-Dr. Grant Hartman, children-Zoey (age 2) and Zeke (age 3 months), late father-Tom Davis, mother-Cindy Davis, parents-in-law- Brad and Robin Hartman, Grandparents-in-law-the late Ron Billiard and Karen Billiard.

Affiliations:

“I have been in private practice with my husband at Hartman Spine & Joint for three years practicing functional medicine, which relies extensively on knowledge of human biology, anatomy, physiology, laboratory evaluation, nutrition and performance. While I will still be practicing part time, I am excited to start my teaching career.”

Why did you choose education as a career?

“I found that in private practice, I was teaching patients one-on-one every single day, something I did not realize would happen to this extent. I finally recognized my passion for teaching and, paired with my love of science, formal teaching just made sense. It is also a way for me to be more involved in the community, develop relationships, influence more people, and be involved in something bigger.

What is the first on your list of priorities for the position?

“Ensure each and every student in my classroom develops a basic understanding of the world around them, lead more students to the sciences, and foster relationships with local high schools to enable students to work ahead.”

The Red Ram Motel property has been cleaned up from the overgrown trees and shrubs which abounded on the property,  given new paint, doors, and floors in the individual rooms and it is almost ready for the transformation to student housing for Fort Scott Community College.

Greyhound Lodge, as it is now known,  will be part of the FSCC housing options.

“We are excited to see the transformation and having it done,” FSCC President Alysia Johnston said on Wednesday. “I think the students will like it.”

All the remodeling of the building was done by maintenance staff or the construction trades class, she said.

“Kim Coates (construction trade instructor) and a couple of kids have been on it,” Johnston said. “Lane Cutler cleaned up the property. Jim Woods is a member of the maintenance team.  All the remodel has been in-house, except the floors.”

Johnny Walker was the high bidder for the Red Ram Motel sign.

Each room will have bunkable beds. “The kids can decide whether to bunk them or not,” she said. “Each room will have beds, a small fridge, microwave, dresser.”

“It’s affordable, $300 per month per student,” Johnston said. “It’s also appropriate, supervised student housing.”

A member of  FSCC staff will be living in an apartment at Greyhound Lodge, for security and supervision duties.

A computer lab, a student lounge with a pool table, washer and dryer and kitchen will be available for students use.

Greyhound Lodge is on the north side of town, near the intersection of Hwy. 54 and Hwy. 69. The FSCC main campus is on the south side of town. Students will be moving in the weekend of  August 18-19, Johnston said.

“The students who live there can purchase a meal plan,” Johnston said. “We now have a 10-meal-plan or a 7-meal-plan, if they want to purchase it.”