November 2025
A Note from Dr. Blanc
A Season of Color and Calling
As the hills of upstate New York blaze with brilliant reds and golds, we’re reminded that this is harvest season—a time of gathering and gratitude. Just as the colors reflect God’s artistry, our students reflect His calling. Jesus said in John 4:35, “Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest.” At Davis College, those fields are our students—men and women preparing to serve Christ in churches, communities, and mission fields around the world.
It is common for scholarship recipients to say, “Without Operation Full Harvest, I couldn’t have continued my studies. Now I’m preparing for cross-cultural ministry where the gospel is desperately needed.”
Your gift today is more than financial support—it’s an investment in gospel workers who will impact eternity. Will you prayerfully consider joining us in the harvest?
Give today by using the link below to support Operation Full Harvest Scholarships.
Dr. Alan Blanc, Ph.D.
President, Davis College
Latest News!
Reverb • Conferences • Break
Our Reverb season was very fruitful this year! We were blessed with the opportunity to help share the gospel with thousands of students across the country, with our largest location reaching more than 2,200 kids and teens.
We also completed our second round of classes for the Essentials Conference. With only one session remaining, these students are one step closer to being certified!
Our students are currently enjoying some well-deserved rest during Thanksgiving break, and we look forward to welcoming them back in December.
Get Acquainted with Davis!
Student Feature – Nevaeh Tuls
“I came to Davis College because I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of how to apply the Word of God in every season of life. That’s why I chose to pursue a concentration in Christian Counseling. Throughout my time here, the Lord has been teaching me how significant our daily walk with Him is in every part of life. As I look ahead to life after Davis, I hope that everything I’ve learned becomes a strong biblical foundation for how I care for and guide others in the ministry God has for me.”
Staff Feature – Shelley Byron
I serve as the Director of Institutional Effectiveness and the Director of Library Services. I began as the Library Director in 2012 and later became increasingly involved in assessment and accreditation.
I became acquainted with Davis College through the Andrew’s Good News Ministry Christmas Parties and the Hope Tent. One year at the Hope Tent, I pointed to a man with curly red hair and said, “I’m going to have his job someday.” He was Davis’s librarian. A few years later, he moved on—and I stepped into the role!
My favorite part of library work is going on “information adventures” and helping students find useful resources. My favorite parts of assessment and accreditation are when the data supports a hypothesis and when we use that data to improve every aspect of the College.
Since Davis’s transition from Johnson City to Pottersville, I have seen God work in my life to place me exactly where He wants me. In return, I use my curiosity and desire to understand “why” to serve Him by helping improve the experience for colleagues and students.
Shelley Byron, M.S.L.S.
Director of Institutional Effectiveness
Director of Library Services
CCI Spotlight
“I’m studying Religious Education with an emphasis in Counseling through Davis College while serving full-time with Word of Life Paraguay. My role focuses on connecting laborers to the harvest by coordinating ministry opportunities and leading mission trips that help others engage in evangelism and discipleship.
One of the greatest blessings of Davis has been the flexibility of the online program, which allows me to stay active in ministry while studying. The professors are intentional and supportive, helping students apply what we learn directly to our ministry contexts.
It’s also encouraging to study alongside many others serving full-time in missions and ministry. It has been sweet to learn and grow with them. Davis not only equips us academically but invests deeply in our spiritual growth, shaping us to serve faithfully wherever God leads.”
— Emily Schmoel
Alumni Feature: Orion Aviles
“I graduated from Davis College in 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in Religious Education. I currently work at a café as a waiter. During my time at Davis, I served with Word of Life as a Lead RA, and through that role I learned vital lessons about leadership and serving others. Those lessons continue to impact my work in customer service today.
One memorable part of my time at Davis was Joe Schenke’s counseling courses. They were insightful and often challenged me in my faith and in how I counsel others.”
— Orion Aviles
Student Life
October was full of meaningful activity! With Homecoming, Essentials Weekend One, and the Missions Conference, our students had no shortage of opportunities for growth.
Missions Conference was a highlight. Gary Parker, a former Word of Life Missionary to Brazil, served as keynote speaker and challenged our students to live lives of mission. It was powerful, and we believe the Lord worked in incredible ways.
Dr. Blanc has continued unpacking our theme, Breakthrough (1 Thessalonians 5:17), in President’s Chapel. Each week, he has offered practical examples of how this is lived out as followers of Jesus. It has been a great encouragement.
Early in November, our students participated in a Retreat Day called Rooted & Reaching. Dr. Gary Moritz served as the keynote speaker, and several faculty members facilitated breakout sessions. The goal was to help students cultivate deep spiritual roots in Christ while extending their reach through disciple-making and mission. Please continue praying for them!
Thank you for your continued prayer and investment in Davis College. Our students and staff appreciate it more than you realize.
Concentration Highlight: Bible Certificate
This concentration is a 30-credit, two-semester program designed to provide a solid foundation in Bible knowledge. It offers a smooth transition into the AAS degree, the three-year diploma program, and the BRE degree.
Student Ministry
“My ministry is the children’s ministry at Saranac Lake Baptist Church, and I also volunteer with an open-air evangelism team.
I am studying for the Biblical Counseling degree, and it has been extremely fruitful. It has helped me form deeper connections with fellow believers and communicate God’s truth more effectively. We are all called to be biblical counselors, and Davis has raised up distinguished professors who help us grow as examples and communicators of truth.
Through these courses, I am learning how to live in biblical truth and how important it is to counsel others. I have grown in empathy and in my desire to encourage others in God’s calling for their lives.”
— Nathaniel Tan
Upcoming Events
Christmas Break is approaching quickly, with students having only three more weeks before the fall semester ends on December 18. Please pray that they continue to serve and glorify the Lord as they finish the semester strong.
Students are also looking forward to our annual Davis Christmas Party at Dr. Blanc’s church next month, where they will enjoy a time of fellowship together.
We will miss our students during break but eagerly await their return for the spring semester on January 20 as they continue pursuing their degrees.
Prayer Requests
If you have any prayer requests you would like our student body and staff to pray for, please email us at alumni@davisny.edu. We are always praying for our alumni and current students, and we would love to hear from you.
Support Davis College Students
If you would like to support Davis College students, you can give now. Just click the “Donate Now” button, and it will direct you to our giving site. Every gift helps provide scholarships and support for our students. Thank you for your generosity!
For questions or updates, please contact us at alumni@davisny.edu.
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