ONWARD SENIORS: Immersive education fuels Davis

MINOT, N.D. - Some of Dalton Davis's best educational moments were derived from his most stressful moments.

The professional communication major defined his time at Minot State University by a simple realization: some of his best growth happens when you are willing to be thrown into the fire.

Davis, originally from Belle Fourche, South Dakota, built his college career on sports, faith, and a constant drive to make the most of every opportunity.

Growing up with a passion for athletics, Davis knew early on that sports would play a major role in his life. While he realized he wouldn't be playing them at the collegiate level, he found a way to stay in the game by talking about them.

While athletics originally drew him to the professional communication program, his time at Minot State has completely reshaped his view of the industry.

"Minot State has provided me with the experience of so much more growth than I thought was possible," Davis said.

What started as a desire to be on air quickly turned into a deep respect for the technical side of the field. He learned that a quality live production requires a massive amount of behind-the-scenes work that most viewers never see. To gain that perspective, Davis immersed himself in the campus media scene, working with the athletic production crew, KMSU Campus News, and the "Saturday Showdown."

He even took his talents off campus to work in sports media with WDAY.

Learning these roles wasn't always easy, and Davis admits he often felt like he was figuring things out as he went. He believes that in the world of media, the best way to learn is simply by doing it. While he struggled at the start, those challenges allowed him to gain a level of experience he couldn't have found anywhere else.

Even in a professional environment, Davis has found that there is always room for a little bit of fun.

He recalls a specific moment while filming a Minot State basketball game when a ball went out of bounds. Still holding his camera, he went to pick up the ball, and the point of view was so funny that his director actually put it on the replay during the live broadcast.

"It was just a moment that reminded me that while we do take things seriously, there is still room for fun in this field as well," Davis said. "Capturing even the smallest moments allows us to bring joy to a broadcast."

When he isn't behind a camera, Davis is often found on the sidelines at Minot North High School, where he coaches football and baseball. For him, coaching is one of the most effective ways to sharpen leadership skills. He sees sports as a way to teach life skills to teenagers during some of their most important years of growth. His goal isn't just to win games, but to help his players grow into sharp young men.

His commitment to leadership and community is rooted in a foundation of faith. Davis describes his faith as the most instrumental part of his college experience and daily life. He has been heavily involved in FCA, Cru, and a men's Bible study group, building relationships that he believes will last a lifetime. He also spends a week each summer volunteering at Camp Hope, an experience that has left a lasting impact on him.

"I remember it was maybe the third day of camp, and I was so exhausted from watching kids all day," Davis said. "But as I reflected on the day, I realized that even though I was exhausted, my cup was so full."

Managing a schedule that includes media work, coaching, volunteering, and academics might seem overwhelming to most, but Davis has a different perspective. He has earned a spot on the President's Honor Roll for all four semesters, a feat he credits to viewing college as an investment. He knows that since he is paying for his education, he had better get his money's worth.

He also feels a sense of responsibility to the donors who provided him with scholarships like the Kevin Michael Hill and Nels and Edna Solheim awards. Knowing that others were willing to invest in his future pushed him to get through even the assignments he dreaded.

When things do get stressful, he relies on a simple strategy: prayer.

As he looks toward graduation and a May wedding to his fiancée, Sydney, Davis is excited for the next chapter. He sees the upcoming transitions not as a source of stress, but as a privilege.

In his future career, he hopes to continue building meaningful relationships and helping others become the best versions of themselves. For Davis, making a difference isn't about what people can do for him, but about how he can invest in their growth.