ACTE Announces North Carolina Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, as National Award Winner
ALEXANDRIA, VA—The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) announced Robert Jason Davis, Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences at University of Mount Olive, in Mount Olive, NC as the 2026 ACTE Region II Postsecondary Professional of the Year. This award recognizes the finest career and technical education (CTE) educators at the postsecondary school level who have demonstrated innovation in the classroom, commitment to their students and dedication to the improvement of CTE in their institutions and communities.
Dr. Jason Davis, a lifelong advocate for agricultural education and leadership, has dedicated his career to serving students, educators, and the agricultural community in North Carolina and beyond. A native of Clinton, NC, in Sampson County, Davis found his passion early through active involvement in the National FFA Organization during high school.
After earning a B.S. in Agricultural Education from North Carolina State University in 1998, Davis began teaching agriculture at Hobbton High School, where he spent seven and a half years instructing students in Horticulture, Agricultural Mechanics, and Introduction to Agriscience. While teaching, he completed his master’s degree in Agricultural Education in 2003.
In 2005, Davis was selected to serve as the State FFA Coordinator in the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education at NC State University, leading the North Carolina FFA Association. During this time, he also completed his Doctorate in Agricultural Education. His leadership extended nationally as he served as Southern Region Vice President and later President of the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education (NASAE), Secretary of the National FFA Foundation, and President of the National Council for Agricultural Education (“The Council”). In these roles, Davis championed professional development for NASAE members, broadened award programs, influenced the development of agriculture, forestry, and natural resource standards, strengthened diversity initiatives, and advanced fundraising efforts to meet the needs of a growing student organization.
In 2020, Davis joined the University of Mount Olive as the Assistant Dean of the School of Agriculture & Biological Sciences, where he continues to guide future educators and foster partnerships with business, industry, and community organizations. His service also includes roles on the NC FFA Board, community college advisory boards, and local organizations such as the Hobbton FFA Alumni and the Westbrook Grange.
Davis’s commitment to agricultural education began at the grassroots level as a regional vice president of the North Carolina Agriculture Teachers Association, where he helped increase membership to 100%, launched a horticulture supply cooperative for teachers, and supported professional growth opportunities for educators. Throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to strengthen agricultural education through teaching, state leadership, and higher education.
Outside of his professional roles, Davis is also a farmer, raising sweet corn, cut flowers, and 1,000 chrysanthemums. He enjoys beekeeping and gardening and is an active member of Hopewell United Methodist Church, the Clinton Rotary Club, and the Benson Masonic Lodge. He also serves as President of both the Westbrook Grange and the Hobbton FFA Alumni. At home, he shares his love of agriculture with his loyal dog, Maggie.
Davis is one of five finalists for the 2026 national title. The national winner will be announced at the ACTE Awards Gala, an award presentation recognizing the best CTE educators in the country. The event will take place on December 9, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. The Awards Gala is sponsored by Goodheart-Willcox, The Army, and Stratasys. For more information about the ACTE Excellence Awards, visit our webpage.
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About ACTE
The Association for Career and Technical Education (ACTE) is the nation’s largest not-for-profit association committed to the advancement of education that prepares youth and adults for successful careers. ACTE represents the community of CTE professionals, including educators, administrators, researchers, school counselors, guidance and career development professionals and others at all levels of education. ACTE is committed to excellence in providing advocacy, public awareness and access to resources, professional development and leadership opportunities.
