Janice Davis moved to Amador County in 1977 to take a teaching job with Amador County Unified School District. During her teaching career, Janice returned to school to obtain her Masters in School Counseling and Pupil Personnel Credential before returning to ACUSD as a high school counselor at Argonaut High School for 27 years. Before retiring in 2014, Janice became involved with the Amador Community College Foundation as part of her job, attending meetings and exchanging ideas. She continued to be involved after her retirement, working with a team of volunteers to develop the model for Amador College Connect still used today; helping Amador County citizens pursue higher education opportunities through distance learning.

Janice is passionate about the positive impact that Amador College Connect has had on the community; “I believe we have opened the door to higher education for our citizens. As a high school counselor, I saw many students who were unable to go to college due to cost, inability to commute to one of the neighboring colleges, or simply not knowing how to start a distance education program. We have helped numerous students complete Certificates, AA/AS degrees, and transfer programs to universities. Of note, our one-to-one assistance at no charge to students has given them the encouragement and understanding of the application process from start to finish. Once enrolled, we provide any needed assistance to the students.”

Janice presently serves on the Board of the Amador Community College Foundation, as well as works with the staff at Amador College Connect as the Student Services Advisor. She and her husband, Keith, live in Jackson, and their daughter, Brittany, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker at Sutter Amador Hospital. Her dedication to student success is evident in her continued involvement in the expansion of programs and seeking of sustainable funding sources so that our students can continue to thrive.

Not only is Meg always willing to tutor Amador College Connect students as needed, she also helps Amador Community College Foundation to complete grant applications, continuously mentors students as they progress through their programs, and has referred several students to begin or continue their educational journeys. We are lucky to work with such a dedicated volunteer who understands what online learning can mean for new and continuing students; “I have seen distance learning open up whole new worlds for our students who might have been reticent about starting college or returning to school after an extended break." She adds; "online students are spared the ritual of walking into a classroom for the first time, choosing a seat and being called on. The instructors have worked with distance learning specialists to tailor the coursework to the online platforms and learning objectives are clearly set out. Online learning allows people with very different learning styles to succeed.”

Amador College Connect is always seeking tutors and mentors. If you are interested in volunteering, please email Janice Davis at [email protected]!