David Davis

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Houston Christian University

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After completing a PhD in History at Exeter, I have been a faculty member in the History Department at Houston Christian University. I have been teaching in the department since Fall 2010 and have published widely, including three books on early modern English history and religion. I also write essays and reviews for magazines and newspapers like the Wall Street Journal. My books include: Seeing Faith, Printing Pictures: Religious Identity during the English Reformation (Brill, 2013) From Icons to Idols: Documents on the Image Debate in Reformation England (Pickwick, 2016) Experiencing God in Late Medieval and Early Modern England (Oxford University Press, 2022)

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

Being a university faculty member allows me to combine three of my favorite activities: teaching, research, and writing.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

Working with the History faculty, particularly my supervisor Prof. Alexandra Walsham, and my fellow graduate assistants.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Aside from the history of the city, Exeter and the university are an idyllic spot for study. The life of the university was also important to me, as there was always a bustle of activities, events, etc.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

The opportunity to work with world-class historians.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

The academic job market is incredibly tight. Beyond studying at a top program, it is essential that aspiring academics learn to network, build connections with more senior scholars, work on collaborative projects, and volunteer for opportunities when they arise.