Paul Davis '81

Paul Davis ‘81 has been a leader in Catholic education for more than 35 years, serving in the classroom and in administration at Father Ryan High School since 1986. 

Mr. Davis was named President of Father Ryan High School in 2022, after serving as the 15th Principal of Father Ryan since 2007 and as Dean of Students since 1998. His commitment to Catholic education, love for students, and deep connection to the Father Ryan community provide a vision for the future of Father Ryan.

A native Nashvillian, Mr. Davis attended Christ the King grade school and graduated from Father Ryan in 1981. After receiving his degree from Tennessee Technological University in 1985, he returned to Father Ryan in the fall of 1986 to begin his teaching career. In 1992, Mr. Davis earned his Master’s in Educational Psychology and Counselor Education degree from Tennessee Tech. He taught English at Father Ryan for 12 years and served as freshman volleyball, baseball, and freshman basketball coach.

During his time as Principal, the school has seen more than 100 students honored by the National Merit Scholarship Program; created the largest student-led Relay for Life in the nation; launched an Irish SmartLab and STEAM Program; had its nationally-recognized band selected to perform in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade; created the Hayes Scholars Program for top-achieving students; introduced the Father Ryan House System, and earned more than 80 team and individual state championships in athletics, dance, and other performing arts. 

Mr. Davis is a member of the National Catholic Education Association and several professional education and coaching organizations. He served on the Christ the King School Board and was Commissioner and later President of the Bellevue Baseball Park. 

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