Karen Davis, Ph.D., CCC-SLP, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Health Sciences: Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology Program at Middle Tennessee State University. With more than 15 years of experience as a school-based speech-language pathologist, she brings extensive clinical expertise to her teaching, scholarship, and service. Dr. Davis’s research agenda focuses on advancing language and literacy outcomes for struggling learners, with particular emphasis on culturally and linguistically diverse populations. Her scholarly interests include language and literacy disorders, reading comprehension intervention, interprofessional education and practice (IPE/IPP), and culturally responsive practices within communication sciences and disorders. Her work reflects a commitment to equity in assessment, intervention, and professional preparation.
She has experience teaching both undergraduate and graduate courses in language-literacy development and school-based practice, integrating evidence-based practice with real-world clinical application. Dr. Davis is an active presenter at local and national levels, sharing her expertise on cultural responsiveness, student recruitment and retention, and effective practices in speech-language pathology education.
Beyond her academic role, Dr. Davis is deeply engaged in community service through professional, civic, and social organizations dedicated to advocacy and outreach. Outside of her professional commitments, she enjoys exploring new hobbies, most recently discovering and honing her baking skills.
Please visit the MSEd or EdS in Reading & Literacy Instruction program page to learn about curriculum, faculty, program options and more!
