Professor Emeritus Dr. King Davis returned to campus on Monday, Feb. 3, with historic preservation coordinator D. D. Clark to discuss their groundbreaking work preserving state hospital records and to recruit new researchers to their cause.
Clark, who pioneered preservation efforts at Rusk State Hospital, shared her expertise in artifact discovery and conservation. Her methodical approach to locating, preserving, and sharing historical documents has earned recognition, with several recovered artifacts now permanently displayed at the Bullock Museum. Her unique role as a historic preservation coordinator evolved through hands-on experience with these invaluable materials.
Dr. Davis emphasized the rich research potential within these records. The documents contain detailed information about patient intake, staff training, and facility architecture that can reveal broader patterns in societal attitudes toward mental health. Dr. Davis noted that researchers have only scratched the surface of possible insights. The ongoing restoration and digitization efforts continue to uncover new research opportunities.
“I came to recruit you,” Dr. Davis told the audience, explaining their need for students and faculty to join their preservation efforts across state hospitals in Texas, Virginia, North Carolina, and Oklahoma.
Among his many accolades and titles, Dr. Davis served as executive director of the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health from 2003-2008 and held the Robert Lee Sutherland Endowed Chair in Mental Health and Social Policy at the University of Texas at Austin, School of Social Work from 2000 to 2008. He currently serves on the National Advisory Committee for the Center for Mental Health Services.