Kelly (Sams) Davenport earned both her B. A. in Music Education and M. Ed from Milligan University. She also holds an Educational Specialist degree (Ed.S) from Union College with an emphasis in Educational Leadership and Supervision. Professor Davenport has served as the choral director for David Crockett High School since 2009 and as the director the Milligan University Women’s Chorale since 2021.
Her award-winning teaching career includes being named the Washington County High School Teacher of the Year in 2020. Some of her other significant achievements include a collaborative performance of the David Crockett Madrigal Singers with the internationally renowned Fisk University Singers and leading the Milligan University Women’s Chorale in annual performances for Christmas at Biltmore. Her leadership in music education includes various roles in the East Tennessee Vocal Association and as an All-State Choir Chair at the TNMEA All-State Conference each year.
Professor Davenport’s deep faith came early and has woven throughout her life in music ministry and in service to the church. She currently serves as Worship Director at Mountain View Baptist in Johnson City, TN, a position she has held for over a decade. In addition to creating music with the remarkable Milligan students, Professor Davenport’s favorite part of teaching at Milligan is getting to work alongside the music faculty who have inspired and equipped her to follow her calling in music, ministry, and education.