Joe M. Davis II | President

Class of 2016, UW Tacoma, Bachelors of Arts, Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences

Why I Serve

As a kid, I was a good student who aspired to become a doctor or a police officer. However, college was not talked about in my house, so it was not something I had a clear idea of how to pursue. Instead, I enrolled in the U.S. Army with an ultimate specialization in military intelligence. While stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, I was encouraged by superiors to pursue my studies and, therefore, enrolled in community college as an active duty service member. It was so rewarding that I ultimately transferred to UW Tacoma.

My Husky journey embraces being a veteran, transfer student and first-generation university graduate. UW welcomes that the modern student represents countless backgrounds and ambitions. I am now a Deputy Sheriff with Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office and my education is invaluable. I utilize all of my studies from sociology to law, writing, even biology and chemistry. They contribute to me being a knowledgeable, well-rounded person who is open and able to have conversations with different people. I’m proud to be an educated black man in law enforcement. I want to be a role model for positive interactions.

UW educates the whole person and instills a sense of community that feels like extended family. I personify purple-and-gold pride on the job and at home. I even own a set of Dawg onesie pajamas. I’m sticking with the deputy’s uniform for now, but Husky pride is always something I wear on the inside.

Biography

Joe Davis was born in Illinois and raised in Arizona. One of five children, he enlisted in the U.S. Army after high school. His military career included Advance Individual Training at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, completion of the rigorous Human Intelligence program, deployment to Iraq and being stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. As a civilian, he subsequently worked as an EMT, which solidified his desire to become a first responder.  After much hard work, training and dedication, he became a Deputy Sheriff with the Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office in 2017. He is the loving father of two vivacious boys. Joe also finds time to volunteer with and consult for various non-profits throughout the region and on behalf of UW.