Dr. Alison Davis is a Professor of Agricultural Economics at the University of Kentucky and the Executive Director of Blueprint Kentucky. Blueprint Kentucky is an integrated engagement/research center housed within the Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment at the University of Kentucky. Blueprint Kentucky’s mission is to build engaged communities and vibrant economies. Dr. Davis leads a team of seventeen engagement and research staff to support for Blueprint Kentucky’s five priority areas: economic development, leadership development, community health, arts engagement, and community design.

In her role as Assistant Vice President for Land-grant Engagement, Dr. Davis builds relationships across campus, Kentucky and the nation with the goal of promoting a stronger sense of community and an improved economic base. Her rural economic development program utilizes workshops, trainings, and educational materials to highlight the importance of community engagement, infrastructure development, regionalism, and the impact of changing public policy on rural communities.