Mr. Davis Pace earned his B.A. in Liberal Studies with minors in English, History, and PoliticalScience in 2010. He then served as a Governmental Affairs Clerk with the BGR Group in WashingtonDC and Legislative Fellow in the Office of Senator Roger Wicker. After earning his law degree fromMississippi College and managing a political campaign, he became a staff member in the U.S. Houseof Representative, including a Legislative Director for two members of Congress, Senior PolicyAdvisor, and professional staff for House Committee on Foreign Affairs. Pace is currently Presidentand CEO for Mississippi Enterprise for Technology where he spearheads efforts to foster partnershipsin industry, academia, and government in the aerospace and defense sector.
What are some of your favorite memories at UM?
Some of my favorite memories at Ole Miss revolve around the relationships I built—both in the
classroom and beyond. Academically, I was fortunate to have professors who challenged my thinking,
sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for a career in government, law, and economic
development. Outside the classroom, I found community through student organizations, campus
events, and weekends in the Grove, where friendships were formed that have lasted well beyond my
time in Oxford. The culture of Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of belonging, and that’s something I still
carry with me today.
classroom and beyond. Academically, I was fortunate to have professors who challenged my thinking,
sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for a career in government, law, and economic
development. Outside the classroom, I found community through student organizations, campus
events, and weekends in the Grove, where friendships were formed that have lasted well beyond my
time in Oxford. The culture of Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of belonging, and that’s something I still
carry with me today.
Some of my favorite memories at Ole Miss revolve around the relationships I built—both in the
classroom and beyond. Academically, I was fortunate to have professors who challenged my thinking,
sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for a career in government, law, and economic
development. Outside the classroom, I found community through student organizations, campus
events, and weekends in the Grove, where friendships were formed that have lasted well beyond my
time in Oxford. The culture of Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of belonging, and that’s something I still
carry with me today.
classroom and beyond. Academically, I was fortunate to have professors who challenged my thinking,
sharpened my communication skills, and prepared me for a career in government, law, and economic
development. Outside the classroom, I found community through student organizations, campus
events, and weekends in the Grove, where friendships were formed that have lasted well beyond my
time in Oxford. The culture of Ole Miss fosters a strong sense of belonging, and that’s something I still
carry with me today.
What has been your career/educational path since graduation?
After graduating, I pursued a law degree, which opened doors to work in government and public
policy. My career has taken me from Capitol Hill, where I worked on federal policy and ran a
congressional campaign, to leading a state-chartered public-private partnership focused on growing
Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology industries. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity
to build coalitions, advocate for economic development, and play a role in shaping Mississippi’s
business landscape—all experiences that were shaped by the foundation I built at Ole Miss.
policy. My career has taken me from Capitol Hill, where I worked on federal policy and ran a
congressional campaign, to leading a state-chartered public-private partnership focused on growing
Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology industries. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity
to build coalitions, advocate for economic development, and play a role in shaping Mississippi’s
business landscape—all experiences that were shaped by the foundation I built at Ole Miss.
After graduating, I pursued a law degree, which opened doors to work in government and public
policy. My career has taken me from Capitol Hill, where I worked on federal policy and ran a
congressional campaign, to leading a state-chartered public-private partnership focused on growing
Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology industries. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity
to build coalitions, advocate for economic development, and play a role in shaping Mississippi’s
business landscape—all experiences that were shaped by the foundation I built at Ole Miss.
policy. My career has taken me from Capitol Hill, where I worked on federal policy and ran a
congressional campaign, to leading a state-chartered public-private partnership focused on growing
Mississippi’s aerospace, defense, and technology industries. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity
to build coalitions, advocate for economic development, and play a role in shaping Mississippi’s
business landscape—all experiences that were shaped by the foundation I built at Ole Miss.
What do you think is the value of your liberal arts degree for your career and life?
A liberal arts education teaches you how to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to new
challenges—all skills that are invaluable in any career. My degree gave me the ability to analyze
complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage with people from all backgrounds. In
government, law, and economic development, success often comes down to how well you can
connect ideas, navigate different perspectives, and build consensus. Ole Miss prepared me for that in
ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but have come to recognize throughout my career.
challenges—all skills that are invaluable in any career. My degree gave me the ability to analyze
complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage with people from all backgrounds. In
government, law, and economic development, success often comes down to how well you can
connect ideas, navigate different perspectives, and build consensus. Ole Miss prepared me for that in
ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but have come to recognize throughout my career.
A liberal arts education teaches you how to think critically, communicate effectively, and adapt to new
challenges—all skills that are invaluable in any career. My degree gave me the ability to analyze
complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage with people from all backgrounds. In
government, law, and economic development, success often comes down to how well you can
connect ideas, navigate different perspectives, and build consensus. Ole Miss prepared me for that in
ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but have come to recognize throughout my career.
challenges—all skills that are invaluable in any career. My degree gave me the ability to analyze
complex issues, craft persuasive arguments, and engage with people from all backgrounds. In
government, law, and economic development, success often comes down to how well you can
connect ideas, navigate different perspectives, and build consensus. Ole Miss prepared me for that in
ways I didn’t fully appreciate at the time but have come to recognize throughout my career.
How did you find the path to your major as an undergraduate?
I was drawn to a major that would allow me to develop strong writing, reasoning, and advocacy skills—something that would prepare me for law school and, ultimately, a career in government and policy. Ole Miss provided the right environment to explore those interests while giving me the flexibility to take courses that broadened my perspective.
I was drawn to a major that would allow me to develop strong writing, reasoning, and advocacy skills—something that would prepare me for law school and, ultimately, a career in government and policy. Ole Miss provided the right environment to explore those interests while giving me the flexibility to take courses that broadened my perspective.
Why study at the University of Mississippi?
Beyond the academic reputation, Ole Miss offers a truly unique experience. The combination of world-class faculty, a supportive community, and a network of alumni who are deeply invested in the success of students creates opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in law, business, government, or any other field, the skills and relationships you build here will open doors for years to come.
Beyond the academic reputation, Ole Miss offers a truly unique experience. The combination of world-class faculty, a supportive community, and a network of alumni who are deeply invested in the success of students creates opportunities you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you’re interested in law, business, government, or any other field, the skills and relationships you build here will open doors for years to come.