MonticelloLive

Dr. Boyce Davis kept much of Monticello in shape during his 34 years on the faculty at the University of Arkansas at Monticello.
            Davis taught health and physical education at UAM from 1964 until his retirement in 1997 and created the university’s cardiovascular-respiratory fitness center, which has served the fitness needs of the region for more than three decades.
            One of Davis’ former students, Randy Risher of Houston, Tex., has taken many of the principles he learned from Davis and created a lucrative fitness business in the Houston area. As a way of saying thank you to his mentor, Risher recently presented a $5,000 gift to the UAM Foundation Fund to create the Boyce Davis Endowed Award.
            Interest from the endowment will be used to provide awards to full-time junior or senior health and physical education students majoring in exercise science who plan to pursue a graduate education in the field.
            “This is a wonderful tribute to a man who has had a positive impact on so many lives in Monticello and southeast Arkansas,” said Linda Yeiser, vice chancellor for advancement. “Dr. Davis’ work in the field of cardiovascular fitness and prescribed exercise have improved the quality of life for a lot of people.”
            Risher is a 1989 UAM graduate and founder of Randy Risher Fitness, Inc., Houston, which he operates with business partners Steven Lynn and Jamie Lynn, who are also UAM alumni. Risher counts among his clients former President George H.W. Bush.
            “Dr. Davis was such a positive influence on my life that I thought it was only fitting that I find some way to honor him, not only for what he’s done for me, but for so many others,” said Risher. “Much of what I use in my business I learned from Dr. Davis.”