2023 Recipient
Josh Davis (BCS Class of ’78)
A lifelong Memphian, Josh Davis has worn many different Briarcrest hats over the years… parent, trustee, voice of the Briarcrest Broadcast Network, employee, and now 2023 Paul Piper Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient.
When Josh enrolled in Briarcrest’s first class of high school freshmen in 1974, he thought graduation would be the end of his Briarcrest career. God had other plans. Both of Josh’s daughters, Kristin Frazier (BCS ’05) and Lauren Albertine (BCS ’09), graduated from Briarcrest, and in 2006, he was asked to serve on the school's Board of Trustees.
In 2007, Josh proposed the idea of broadcasting the football games on the radio; and a 13-year journey as part of Briarcrest’s broadcast team, known as the Briarcrest Broadcast Network, began. In 2011, Josh was named the Director of Development at Briarcrest and remained in that role for six years. During this time, Josh provided leadership for several giving campaigns and alumni programs, including the Dr. Willard R. Sparks Chapel and Performing Arts Center and the A. Duncan and Carolyn S. Williams Elementary Wing. In 2019, Josh resumed his service to Briarcrest on the Board of Trustees.
Leading up to his career at Briarcrest, Josh joined his wife’s family business in 1984 and remained with Sam Stringer Garden Centers for over 20 years. During this time, Josh felt God's call to use his gifts and connections to serve local Christian non-profit organizations. In addition to serving at Briarcrest, Josh has severed as the Director of Development at Christ Community Health Services and the Executive Director at the Center for Religious Expression (CRE). During his time at CRE, he took on the role of Development Coach with Development and Leadership Coaching. What started as a part-time focus led to a full-time career. Josh is now serving 20 different Christian schools and ministries through coaching. When asked what he loves about coaching, he quickly says “Kingdom impact. It’s incredibly exciting to be able to help leaders grow and then watch how God uses that growth to impact lives!”
Josh and his wife Jan (BCS ’80) have been members of Independent Presbyterian Church (IPC) for over 30 years. In 2012, he was elected to IPC’s Board of Deacons and served for six years. He currently serves on the board of Life Choices. In his free time, Josh follows his beloved Ole Miss Rebels, plays golf, exercises, and spends time with his grandchildren.
The Briarcrest Christian School Paul Piper Distinguished Alumni Award was established in 2004.
The Briarcrest Christian School Paul Piper Distinguished Alumni Award is presented annually to a Briarcrest Christian School alumnus or alumna who graduated thirty or more years ago and who has shown outstanding achievement in their professional career. The award is named in honor and in memory of Mr. Paul Piper, a highly successful Christian entrepreneur whose foundations have provided financial support to many causes.
To read more about the life of Paul Piper, visit Historical Newspapers.
If you would like to nominate an alumni, please complete and submit the online nomination form.
Candidates for the Briarcrest Paul Piper Award must be recognized for their influential leadership and support of educational, civic, religious, and charitable causes in the community. Their personal and professional character and conduct must also mirror the mission of Briarcrest Christian School.