Her career started as a secretary at FSU Panama City about 18 years ago. She later moved to the VA Office as part of the Financial Aid Office. Her job is demanding but also meaningful for her because she thinks it is her duty.
“It is very rewarding to help someone who has served our country,” Davis said.
She wanted to join the Navy when she was 19 years old but could not serve because of her health reasons. Working as a VA Benefits Enrollment Officer is her way of giving back to those who have served.
There are about 80 to 85 veterans enroll each semester at FSU Panama City, Davis said. Every time veterans come to talk with her, she discusses about their plans and end goals to lay out their options.
“Some veterans might need to be enrolling at GCSC or another college to receive A.A. degrees before they come to us,” Davis noted.
Even though they end up going to different colleges first, she is dedicated to work for those veterans who can be her future FSU students.
Davis said the most difficult thing to encounter is homeless veterans. She offers help for those student veterans in need.
“I find resources for them such as the United Way if there is anything they can get if needed,” she said.
She always cares about her student veterans and does her best to get any resource for them.
“Marcie absolutely cares about her student veterans and is a wonderful boss to work for,” said former sailor Michael Andrews, who has been working for Davis about seven months.
The crime scene investigation major said Davis ensures that student veterans, including him, receive all of the GI Bill Benefits to which they are entitled such as tuition and fees assistance, book stipends and BAH (monthly housing allowances).
Student veteran Johnathon Alleman, who served for the Navy and is studying professional communications, said Davis more than just the VA Benefits Enrollment Officer.
“She has helped guide me specifically to an opportunity to extend the time on my GI Bill through a process known as vocational rehab, which I was never even aware I was qualified for until last semester when she brought it to my attention,” he said.
Alleman, who has been working for Davis for two semesters, calls her a “second advisor or life coach” who looks out for the student veterans’ best interests.
Being a life coach can be difficult and tough, but Davis does not seem mind at all.
“It is a personal pleasure more than a duty or job,” she said.
— Kana Uptegraft
contributing writer
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