Niki Davis
Dr. Niki Davis began her career in media, marketing, and event planning and actively participates on event committees to help plan a variety of events from local community festivals to large international conferences. Dr. Davis has taught event management, tourism, and destination marketing for over 20 years. Her hands-on knowledge of strategic communication, branding, and event logistics directly informs her teaching, allowing students to learn industry standards through real-world examples.
Beyond academia, Dr. Davis is a passionate food writer and culinary enthusiast. Under her "Rooted in Foods" platform, she explores the intersection of food, family, and heritage, emphasizing the power of food to connect cultures and generations. Her dedication to preserving culinary heritage is reflected in her writing, which has been featured in numerous publications, including The Southern Illinoisan, St. Louis Post Dispatch, Napa Valley Register, and Missoulian, as well as on radio and television programs like KMOX St. Louis, Illinois Public Media’s The 21st Show, and WSIU In Focus.
Active in her community, Dr. Davis serves as Vice President of the Carbondale Main Street Board of Directors and regularly volunteers at the Carbondale Elks Lodge #1243.
Education:
Dr. Davis obtained her undergraduate degree in marketing from SIU. In 2002, she returned to SIU to complete her Master of Science and Doctorate degrees in Education. Additionally, she holds a Master Online Teacher certificate from the Illinois Online Network through the University of Illinois and course certificates in recipe development and food writing from Le Cordon Bleu.
Research Interest:
Dr. Davis served as President of the International Society of Travel and Tourism Educators (ISTTE) from 2013 to 2019, after having served on the Board of Directors for three years. She has served on the Lincoln Legacy Teaching and Learning Community steering committee for 10 years, helping plan its annual conference. As a member of the D2L Fusion Steering Committee, she helps implement the annual national Fusion conference. She is also an active member of the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) and Midwest Travel Network.
A sought-after speaker, Dr. Davis presents workshops about the impact of generative AI on the tourism industry and how small businesses and tourism organizations can leverage AI tools in marketing. Personal branding, event logistics, and culinary travel are among her workshop topics. With a keen interest in culinary tourism and technology, she continues to bridge the gap between tradition and innovation in her professional endeavors.
Awards and Honors:
Dr. Davis received the Gary L. Minish Outstanding Mentor and Advisor Award (2014) and the Outstanding Non-Tenure Track Teacher award (2011). She also received the Letitia Walsh Home Economics Distinguished Scholar Award (2008) from the former SIU College of Education.