Fueling the Empowerment of Education

By Steven J. Smith

When it came time for Ned Davis and his wife Mickey to find the school that best suited the needs and personality of their son Dylan, the hands down choice was Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School. 

“We looked at all the area schools,” Mickey said. “Somebody suggested Saint Stephen’s and I took a tour with my boys. We were so impressed by their whole culture. It was more than just offering a quality education, it was installing a sense of emotional well-being and character building and encouraging kids to take responsibility for themselves.”

“Dylan became so happy there that we moved our other son Connor there as well. We have been very pleased with the school and particularly happy with the leadership under Jan Pullen,” said Ned.

Sitting on a scenic, gated 35-acre campus, which includes a state-of-the-art athletic complex and performing arts hall, Saint Stephens Episcopal School in Bradenton ranks among the most respected independent college preparatory schools in the nation, providing a world-class education for students in grades Pre-K3 through 12. 

With a 9:1 student/teacher ratio, students are supported and encouraged by outstanding faculty and a balanced curriculum of academic rigor and character development. The School’s rich academic offerings go hand-in-hand with a strong college counseling program.

Mickey and Ned also like the emphasis Saint Stephen’s places on improving both the body and the mind, celebrating student achievement in both sports and scholarship. 

“The school is incredibly diverse, especially for a private school. In a period of this country’s history where different people cannot get along, it is so pleasing to see our kids have all kinds of friends that treat each other with respect,” she said.

“Dylan has been in some theater productions and Connor has also won an award for the arts,” Ned added. “So, we want to be supportive of that. The campus and facilities are outstanding, but it is really the teachers and coaches that impress us most about the school.”

The couple’s admiration has led to philanthropy. Mickey has joined the school’s board of directors and they have supported the school through the Father Kazar Foundation, which supports scholarships to needy but worthy students. In addition, the couple has not only participated in raising money for — and personally donating to — a new $7 million performing arts center, they also contribute to the school’s annual fund.

For all they’ve donated to Saint Stephen’s, however, the Davises feel they have gotten so much more in return.

“I still remember my oldest boy telling me after going to the school for just a couple of weeks that ‘these are my people,’” Mickey said. “This was so wonderful, because he had been a kid who was not happy at school. So, to have him come home and be so happy is a blessing. Both boys are great students. They’re thriving. They’re both honor roll students, and they’ve both become leaders at school. They’re comfortable with getting up in front of a group and speaking. Everything the school does aligns with our personal beliefs at home.”

In addition to what they have given to the school already, the Davises want to play a significant role in the future of Saint Stephen’s and would like to deepen the school’s culture of philanthropy. 

“Ned and I emphatically believe that education is crucial and empowering,” Mickey said. “I’ve had the advantage of being on the board and part of fundraising events, so I’ve heard all there is to know on why we need funds, how important they are and how they are used. Most people don’t hear all those details. I’d like to help the philanthropic efforts of Saint Stephens by helping them tell that story so donors understand their gifts are essential to the financial well-being of the school. It’s our turn to support the school and come up with a comprehensive plan for the future, so years from now other Saint Stephen’s families have the same educational advantages we’re enjoying.”

Mickey hails from Binghamton, NY and understands full well the value of a good education. During her career, she had a hands-on education working with people and developed two of what she calls her greatest assets – networking and social abilities. Always thirsty to learn more, she continued studying through online courses offered at UMass. 

Ned, who is from Nashville, started a stock market research company — Ned Davis Research — which he grew from five employees to over a hundred. In 2011, Ned sold his business to Euromoney, a European financial publishing company. The two met on a blind date after Mickey’s company moved its home office to Sarasota.

These two powerhouses are also quite philanthropic toward other important community needs that speak to their passions and core beliefs. 

For the past six years, Mickey has served on the Board for the Conservation Foundation of the Gulf Coast. She grew up loving the outdoors, and that love never diminished as an adult. Mickey and her family spend as much time as they can both on the water and in nature. Recognizing her passion for nature, a good friend suggested she get to know the land-saving efforts of the Conservation Foundation. Mickey feels very fortunate to call the Gulf Coast her home and she “hopes to preserve its natural beauty for future generations to enjoy.”

Neil Phillips is the co-founder of Visible Men Academy (VMA) in Bradenton. VMA is an all-boys, tuition-free public charter school that provides boys (kindergarten to 8th grade) from low-income communities with outstanding academic, character-building and social education in a nurturing school environment. Its mission is to break the cycle of low expectations and underachievement in this demographic. 

Mickey became acquainted with Neil when they served together on a non-profit board. She had already been involved with some families who were in need of help in their lives – families Mickey and Ned deeply cared for and welcomed into their home on weekends. However, the Davises realized they could not positively impact these families in a lasting way so given that Neil was already making life-changing impacts on young men, they became involved with VMA. 

“Neil has an infectious enthusiasm, and he provides these boys with the education they need to succeed. He has demonstrated that his methods work. Visible Men Academy is definitely changing lives,” shared Mickey.

It’s clear that what is important to Mickey and Ned Davis is that any investment they make in an organization has an impact today and for future generations. What they are doing to help Saint Stephen’s, Visible Men Academy and Conservation Foundation certainly aligns with that goal and makes our community a better place for all of us.