College of Education & Human Services

College Student Personnel Graduate Program

Tracy Davis

Tracy Davis

Professor and Faculty Coordinator of the Part-Time Track
Ph.D., The University of Iowa
M.A., The University of Iowa
B.A., The University of Iowa

Office: 81B Horrabin Hall
Email: TL-Davis1@wiu.edu
Phone: 309-298-2848

Tracy is the embodiment of what it means to care for our college students and their futures! - Jason Homan '16

Dr. Davis has worked professionally in the areas of gifted education, student activities, and Greek life. His research interests include social justice education, mindfulness and contemplative practices, sexual assault prevention, identity, and men's development. In 2011, he became the founding Director of the Center for the Study of Masculinities and Men’s Development at Western Illinois University.

Throughout his career, Tracy has been engaged in research, sharing what he learns with others, and promoting the growth and development of emerging professionals. His publications include empirical studies in refereed journals, book chapters, and four books/monographs including Advancing Social Justice: Tools, Pedagogies, and Strategies to Transform Your Campus (2013) and Developing Social Justice Allies (2004). He has served on the Executive Council for College Student Educators International (ACPA) and the ACPA Commission on Professional Preparation Directorate, and completed service as an ACPA Senior Scholar. Tracy frequently presents at professional conferences and consults with colleges and universities regarding men's development and social justice.

Dr. Davis is widely recognized within the student affairs and academic communities for his significant contributions as a scholar, educator, and advocate for social justice. Most importantly, he remains wildly unfinished as he always likes to say. Support Tracy’s 2024 nomination for the ACPA Lifetime Achievement Award. Alumni and friends of Dr. Davis and the CSP program consistently share glowing endorsements of his impact and legacy.

Scholarly Work

Recent Publications:

  • Davis, T. (2019). Afterword. In D. Tillapaugh & B. McGowan (Eds.), Men & masculinities on campus: Theoretical foundations and promising practices for supporting college men's development (pp. xx-xx). Stylus Publishing.
  • Tillapaugh, D., Catalano, C., & Davis, T. (2019). Theoretical complexities of men & masculinities. In D. Tillapaugh & B. McGowan (Eds.), Men & masculinities on campus: Theoretical foundations and promising practices (pp. 23-37). Stylus Publishing.
  • Davis, T., & Moody, B. (2018). Practices for promoting mindful masculinities. In C. Catalano, R. Wagner, & T. Davis (Eds.), New directions in student services: Gender-aware practices: Intersectional approaches to applying masculinities in student affairs (pp. 95-104). Jossey-Bass. https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.20237
  • Catalano, C., Wagner, R. & Davis, T. (2018). Gender-aware practices: Intersectional approaches to applying masculinities in student affairs (Vol. 164). Jossey-Bass. https://doi.org/10.1002/ss.20237
  • Davis, T., & Klobassa, V. (2017). Honoring the face behind the mask: Interrogating masculine performatives as counter-hegemonic practice. In P. L. Eddy, K. Ward, & T. Khwaja (Eds.), Critical approaches to women and gender in higher education (pp. 299-322). Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Foste, Z., & Davis, T. (2017). Am I doing this right? A qualitative exploration of how college men make meaning of gendered expectations. Men and Masculinities, 20(1), 1-20. https ://doi .org /10.1177 /1097184X17696188