From self-doubt to Dean’s Medalist: ASU grad turns struggle into advocacy
“After my first day in a course on human development, I realized how integral understanding the human condition throughout the different phases of life will be in my future career,” says Kyle Bennett Davis, Dean's Medalist for the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics. Photo by Meghan Finnerty/ASU
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable fall 2025 graduates.
For Mesa native Kyle Bennett Davis, helping others is both a personal and professional imperative — one shaped by early experiences.
Academics didn’t come easily while he was growing up. Davis remembers hearing more about his challenges than his potential — but although the words hurt, he didn’t let doubt define his life forever.
“I became familiar with people telling me my limitations and accepting that I would never do well in school,” he said. “By the time I reached junior high, I realized it was time to set my own goals and find my path forward.”
That determination carried him into college. He began at Northern Arizona University with plans for nursing. A prerequisite psychology course, however, hooked his attention enough to change his major.
Later, he transferred home to Arizona State University to be closer to his support system, and it’s here he continued exploring the human side of care work. During his junior year, he found his “aha” moment through the field that tied everything together: family and human development.
“After my first day in a course on human development, I realized how integral understanding the human condition throughout the different phases of life will be in my future career,” he said.
This December, Davis graduates as the Dean’s Medalist for the T. Denny Sanford School of Social and Family Dynamics — an honor recognizing academic excellence, leadership and service. He will cross the stage with a bachelor’s degree in family and human development, a minor in psychology and a specialized focus in human sexuality and gender studies, and he is pursuing a certification in victim advocacy — all preparing him for his future as a licensed counselor.
At ASU, Davis has built a reputation among faculty and peers for his kindness and willingness to lift others up. He volunteers often, has formed study groups and helped build support networks in his courses. He also made the Dean’s List nearly every semester and was inducted into the National Honor Society for Leadership and Success.
We caught up with Davis to learn more about his ASU experience and future goals.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: Being in a classroom was not a monologue but rather a multidimensional dialogue with the materials, professors and fellow students. Creating a community rooted in empathy, compassion and respect makes the semester go by much easier because I don't feel alone in the grind.
Q: Shout out a professor, advisor or someone else who made a big impact on your journey — what did they teach you?
A: Dr. Dylan Richard changed the trajectory of my academic journey because they helped me understand the different roles a helper can portray, and that at the root of helping others is an understanding that we are all humans living diverse paths. They gave me hope that even though I might not conform to the status quo in terms of appearance, a person's heart and positive intentions are what truly leave a lasting impression. Every conversation with Dr. Richard left you feeling seen and heard, and most importantly, like what you were saying was important.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Maya Angelou offers some incredible nuggets of wisdom. “You may shoot me with your words, you may cut me with your eyes, you may kill me with your hatefulness, but still, like air, I’ll rise.” No matter the challenges you face, getting up will always make you stronger. My mom has always taught me that I can achieve any goal I set my mind to, even when I limit myself. Never give up, do not doubt yourself and remember you are never alone in your struggles.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: We live in a time of a mental health epidemic. The earlier we can get people connected to mental health services or even create conversations that destigmatize asking for help, the better off our communities will be. I am leaning towards becoming a victim advocate who specializes in domestic violence and sex crimes. Later, I plan to return to pursue my master's degree in counseling.
My dream job is working in a clinical setting or creating my own counseling business. After a decade or so of working in the field, I would like to return to academia and pursue my PhD in counseling to teach the next generation of counselors.
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