I’m a Pathfinder: Scott Davis
June 24, 2025
ASHLAND, Ky. – Scott “Sassy” Davis grew up in the small riverfront city of Guyandotte in Huntington.
Davis says his grandmother raised him in a home on a hillside filled with chickens, ducks, and long rows of garden beds.
“From a young age, I learned the value of hard work, compassion, and community involvement,” he said. “We canned everything, shared vegetables with neighbors, and helped shovel snow for anyone who needed it. Helping others wasn’t something we talked about. It was just something we did.”
Davis spent over 20 years working as a licensed cosmetologist and even owned his salon.
“Like many small business owners, I faced a significant turning point during the pandemic,” he said. “I experienced loss, uncertainty, and a deep need for change. Instead of letting that chapter define me, I returned to school, something I hadn’t done since attending Marshall University in the '90s.”
He says he chose Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) because it was close to home.
“At first, I didn’t think community college was for me, but I was wrong,” Davis said. “The connection I found with faculty and peers at ACTC was stronger than anything I’d ever experienced in a college setting. That sense of belonging made all the difference.”
Davis enrolled in the Associate of Arts program, finished his coursework in the fall of 2023, and graduated the following spring.
During his time at ACTC, Davis served as chapter president of Phi Theta Kappa, joined AmeriCorps as a College Coach, and later earned a promotion to full-time status.
He currently serves as an AmeriCorps Ambassador on campus.
Last fall, Davis began pursuing a bachelor’s degree in University Studies, focusing on Counseling at the University of the Cumberlands. He is on track to graduate this December.
“ACTC showed me acceptance,” he said. “As a non-traditional student, I was unsure if I’d fit in, but I did. More than that, I found directions. Working in the Student Support Services office helped me realize that academic advising is where I belong. I always knew I wanted to help people, but I wasn’t sure how. Now, I get to work alongside advisors who guide students through college and beyond, and that’s precisely what I hope to do moving forward. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
He said anyone considering ACTC should come in with an open attitude and get involved.
“Go to events, meet people, and take advantage of the support around you.” Davis said. “ACTC is more than a college. It’s a community that lifts you academically and emotionally. I’ve learned that it’s never too late to find your path and to help others find theirs, too.”
