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JOHN LEONARD DAVIES AWARD

This award honors the memory of John Leonard Davies (1908-1981) and pays tribute to his state and national leadership in adult and continuing education. Dr. Davies was a University of Iowa faculty member and administrator from 1949 until his retirement in 1976.

A 1929 graduate of Upper Iowa University, J. Leonard Davies began his teaching career at Tennant, Iowa. Later while serving as superintendent of the Howard County Schools, he received his master’s degree at Iowa State University. He left the county superintendency to become a staff member of the Iowa State Education Association in Des Moines. Taking leave from that position, he served as an officer in the United States Navy during World War II. Following the war, he returned to the State University of Iowa where he received his doctorate in 1949.

As President of the Iowa State Education Association in 1953, Dr. Davies was instrumental in effecting the eventual purchase of Salisbury House in Des Moines, Iowa. Later he served in several capacities to bring about the building and successful operation of Heather Manor, a retirement home for teachers and others.