Thomas L. Davis (1931 – 2011) was presented with a posthumous Lifetime Achievement in Education award at the Percussive Arts Society International Convention (PASIC), on November 13, 2025, in Indianapolis, IN. One of the largest drum and percussion events in the world, the Percussive Arts Society’s annual convention features concerts, clinics, panels and presentations given by the finest artists from all over the world. The Lifetime Achievement in Education Award recognizes the contributions of the most highly regarded leaders in percussion education.
Davis was the University of Iowa’s first ever percussion professor. He was recruited to the School of Music faculty in 1958 by Himie Voxman, and went on to serve 38 years as a professor at Iowa, rising up the leadership ranks to become Associate Director of Bands and Director of the Hawkeye Marching Band. He was a prolific composer and arranger in addition to being a highly esteemed educator and pioneering percussionist.
Davis’s nominator for the award was Steven Schick (1976 BA, 1978 MA), a former student of Davis who also gave remarks upon accepting the award on his behalf. Numerous Iowa students, faculty, and Davis family members were in attendance at the event.