As a punctuation symbol, the semicolon is used to separate two independent but related clauses. As a tattoo on the arm of Cyril Davis, the semicolon is used to represent a marker between two separate periods of his life.

The first period included growing up on Detroit’s east side in a family of limited income, pursuing a fulfilling career in law enforcement, marrying his wife and raising six children. In 2013, after almost 15 years in law enforcement, Davis retired from the Department of Homeland Security after suffering a traumatic brain injury. Post-traumatic stress disorder and memory loss ended his work in law enforcement and marked the end of this period of his life.

“Having been someone who had protected and helped others for so long, it was a horrible feeling,” Davis recalled. “As provider for my family, to suddenly be without income, I felt hopeless and worried I would lose our house.”

The current period began with years of intensive rehabilitation and a glimpse of a new way to protect and help others. Watching the impact nurses had on himself and others as he strove to become healthy, and with a large family to support, he looked toward quickly starting a career in health care. The fastest point of entry would be to complete a two-year associate degree in nursing.

Davis obtained two associate degrees from Oakland Community College and became a registered nurse in 2019. He went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain University in 2021 and is now on track to become a nurse practitioner and graduate with a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) from Wayne State University's College of Nursing in 2025, specializing in psychiatric mental health.

His tuition for the DNP is fully covered by funding to Wayne State from the State of Michigan IMPACT grant for psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioners. Davis credits the support he received from College of Nursing faculty and staff as critical — in particular, his faculty advisor, Nicole Wheeler, DNP, CNM.

“Cyril inspires me every time I speak with him,” said Wheeler. “He has such a passion for people, mental health, and the communities he serves. I could not be prouder of the way he embodies the values of the College of Nursing by improving health and reducing inequities in Detroit. He also adds a lot of value as the student representative for our DNP curriculum committee, serving as a voice for our students and improving our program.”

Wheeler added that since Davis began his time at the College of Nursing, he “has really grown in confidence as a future advance practice nurse and is a leader who teaches others.”

“Cyril’s story is an inspiring example of our commitment to ensure students have the skills, experiences and support they need to build and advance their nursing careers,” said Interim Dean of the College of Nursing Ramona Benkert, PhD, ANP-BC, FAANP. “Our faculty members invest heavily in students’ success, nurture their passions and connect them with opportunities that move them from our college into fulfilling careers making a difference for individuals, families and communities.”

Wayne State's College to Career initiative seeks to provide every student with experiential learning opportunities that allow them to encounter the world, gain deeper insights and new perspectives, and prepare for prosperous careers.

In addition to his studies and leadership on campus, Davis works full time at the Lakes Center in Oakland County. Davis said his supervisor at the center, Lynne Lyons, M.D. '95, was instrumental in his decision to attend the College of Nursing, telling him the education, experience, and relationships developed at Wayne State would prepare him to be a strong provider.

“Cyril is incredibly hard-working and always has been,” Lyons said. “He is mission-focused, extremely self-motivated and driven. The struggles he has been through take an ongoing toll, and he has had to work on his mental health and self-care continually to keep focused on moving forward. But the patients and staff see and feel his passion and love for everything he does.”

Davis’s commitment and leadership at the Lakes Center has allowed him to progress from a staff nurse in 2020 to his current role as program director. His final DNP project involves certifying all Lakes Center clinic staff in Mental Health First Aid. This training equips individuals to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. “Having this training will prepare everyone to hear a person out, validate how they feel, and get them with the right people,” Davis said.

Beyond his clinical role, Davis engages in mental health outreach efforts within the local community. He champions Wayne State's focus on urban health and underserved populations because it equips nurses with the perspective and training needed to create impact in their communities.

“There was a point in my depression where I was hopeless,” said Davis. “My mission now is to help people going through similar struggles, especially people in underserved areas, and show them there is hope for them as well.”

Davis speaks to groups of young Black men in schools, emphasizing the importance of representation in the health care field. His intersecting identities as a Black male, former Detroit Police Officer, retired Federal Air Marshal, and now nurse position him to reach individuals who may feel uneasy seeking mental health assistance. “I want to help other first responders with their mental health because the stigma surrounding mental health forces individuals to suffer in silence,” he said.

He also serves as inspiration for his own children. “Seeing me become an RN and now work toward my DNP has inspired my children to see the importance of higher education in real time and become successful in their own right,” Davis said. “They know their dad went through some difficult things and still found a way to improve his mental health, and now they believe they can too.”

There is a second tattoo on Davis's arm to represent that path to education and helping others: the Wayne State shield.

“Wayne State gives you an opportunity to make a difference right here in Detroit that other universities do not,” said Davis. “I couldn't see myself anywhere else.”