Kaleb Davis ’14

Mathematics—Interdisciplinary

Biography

I graduated from Taylor University with a major in Mathematics-Interdisciplinary, and a minor in Biology. After graduation, I attended Indiana University School of Dentistry, where I utilized my education of the human body from biology, and the analytical nature of my mathematics degree to become the dentist I am today. I currently work in Indianapolis, practicing all aspects of general dentistry including fillings, prosthodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and even providing IV sedation for patients too anxious to receive dental work otherwise. I also teach at the School of Dentistry one day a week to help future dentists become the best they can be. By using my foundational degree in mathematics, I am able to see multiple angles of a patient's care, and help them in all manners of ways. I currently live in Greenwood, Indiana, with my wife and two sons, and love spending time with them each and every day.

What were some of your most valuable experiences at Taylor?

My time at Taylor was filled with some incredible experiences. I took part in mathematics competitions with some incredible people. I lived on the 3rd floor of Sammy Morris for a majority of my time at Taylor (Love The Brotherhood!), and the time with my floormates and making friends and memories was a truly amazing experience like no other. In my Senior year, I went on a bird-watching trip with a biology class, and learned to love and admire the work God has put into each creature on earth. And in my sophomore year, I went on a J-Term trip called the Footsteps of Paul, where we traveled through Greece and Italy following in the footsteps of the apostle Paul through the cities of Thessaloniki, Athens, Corinth, Philippi, and Rome. I made some life-long friends, and had an invaluable life experience during that month. I even met my wife on the trip, and to this day we plan on going back to visit where God led us to meet. Taylor University is an incredible place filled with some truly life-changing experiences.

How did your classes or interactions with professors at Taylor impact your growth?

One thing that truly set Taylor apart from other colleges and universities is its small class sizes and down-to-earth professors. Each class had a class size that allowed time with the professors to ask questions, learn more, and truly understand the material. The professors were also truly incredible people. The mathematics and biology departments especially, had some of the most kind, thoughtful, and helpful professors I had the pleasure of knowing during my time in undergrad. When I decided to pursue dentistry with a major in mathematics, it was a bit of an obscure path. However, the professors stepped up to ensure I could meet all pre-requisites, graduate on time, and maximize my chance of acceptance in every way. The professors and classes go above and beyond to ensure success and a positive future.

How can Taylor graduates use their unique Taylor education and its liberal arts foundational core as an asset in your discipline?

Dentistry is a career that takes strengths in many areas. It takes meeting people not just on a medical level, but on a personal, emotional, and often a spiritual level. Taylor University provides a unique education in its liberal arts core that allows its students to meet patients in a way that increases their comfort and allows them to further their dental and overall health. Utilize not just the major classes you take, but enjoy and learn from the others. You can learn some incredible information that can change your life, and the lives of others.

What advice or encouragement could you provide for Taylor students in your vocational discipline?

My advice is to trust where God leads you, and lean on the advisors and professors at Taylor. I believe I may be one of the only individuals majoring in math at Taylor that continued on to become a dentist. Even when I was told to think about switching my major to make me more "marketable," or to stick with a career in math, I knew God had led me to a particular path. I took time to discuss my doubts and fears with my advisors and the professors I was close with. And in doing so, I was able to follow my path and have been led to the practice of dentistry. And it is truly an incredible, amazing field. So if you ever have doubts in your path: trust in God. And utilize the advisors and professors that He has placed at Taylor to guide you.