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Cathy Cook Davis’ journey at Princeton Theological Seminary began when she arrived on campus as an MDiv student in the early 1980s. By the time she graduated, Davis’ path was clear, thanks to a field education placement that introduced her to hospital chaplaincy. What followed was a 15-year career helping patients, first in a retirement community and then at Cooper University Hospital in Camden as the Director of Pastoral Care. But when her husband—also a pastor—was called to Nassau Presbyterian Church in downtown Princeton in 2000, she decided to switch gears, joining Princeton Seminary as Director of Student Relations.
“A lot of what I did in student life was similar to my career in chaplaincy,” Davis says. “At the core, I was still listening to people and helping them make decisions based on their values.” She handled disputes, programming, and placement, helped graduating seniors prepare for the job search, and matched them with positions. “That was my favorite part,” she says. “Many students came to seminary not knowing what they wanted or where they were headed. Helping them define their skills and determine their career goals was very gratifying, a great joy, and a meaningful ministry for me.” She held that position for 18 years; along the way, her title changed to Associate Dean of Student Life, and she served twice as acting dean.
By March 2020, Davis knew she wanted something a bit different for her last chapter at Princeton Seminary, so she accepted the position of Director of Field Education and Vocational Placement. In this role, she was tasked with placing students in ministry settings from churches and hospitals to social service agencies. “Field education is their bridge into life after seminary and guiding them through this time by helping them discern the type of ministry that speaks to them has been so rewarding for me,” she says. During her entire tenure at Princeton Seminary—which has spanned over two decades—Davis has placed hundreds of students at over 150 field education sites globally, matched over 2,500 seniors with their first jobs, and mentored countless more as they searched for career inspiration.
In addition to a fulfilling professional life, Davis says that she’s found some of her closest friends at Princeton Seminary. “We talk about being a community here, and the people I work with have been the definition of that community for me,” she says. “They are committed to a mission of goodness, light, Godliness, and positivity in the world, and, because of them, Princeton Seminary has been a beautiful place to work.”
Though Davis is retiring, effective July 1, she has no plans to slow down. Her time will be filled with hobbies like traveling, gardening, golfing, and bike riding. And she’ll enjoy some quality time with her grandchildren (she has one granddaughter, and another grandchild on the way). “I know there’s something around the corner for me,” she says. “I’m going to live into it and see what happens.”
