Dr. Mauzee Davis, a long-time adjunct professor of material engineering at NC State, is turning 100 years old.

A celebration of his milestone birthday will be held today (Oct. 25) at 3 p.m. in the dining room of Carolina Meadows Health Center. Davis has resided at the facility since 1997, where he is highly respected by staff members.

"I have been a nurse for 28 years," said Cindy Thompson, "and he is the most intelligent man I have ever met. He knows a lot about many things."

"Dr. Davis is a perfect gentleman, and has a memory better than mine," another staff member adds.

Despite his 100 years, Davis is said to be showing no signs of slowing down. Not only does his continue to display full mental faculties, but also workers say he is able to walk without the help of a cane or walker and maintains a strong sense of humor.

Davis says he knows no particular reason for his longevity, but "I have tried to have a good diet and always walked a lot. My weakness is chocolate, though."

Davis taught at NC State from 1963 until his retirement in 1981. He began his career at Pennsylvania State University, serving as research assistant to the professor of chemical metallurgy between 1936 and 1962. In addition to his work at NC State, Davis also served as director of the Material Sciences Division of the Army Research Office from 1962 to 1974.

Born in Sherman, Tex., Davis earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1929 and a master's in chemistry and physics the following year, both from the University of Oklahoma. He earned his Ph.D. in chemistry and physics from the University of Minnesota in 1934.

Posted October 25, 2002

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