FLASHREPORT

So it's not surprising that she's devoted most of her 27 years living up to its meaning through scholarship, political work, community service and prayer.

After only two years in Riverside where she teaches American history at California Baptist University, Davis-Hayes can't sit still. She's a Kiwanian, active in local Republican politics and the World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California.

Her latest triumph: the governor appointed her to a three-year term with the California Council for the Humanities, the nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Governed by a volunteer board of up to 26 members, the group aims to create a state identity by funding diverse multi-media projects of residents -- from gay war veterans to Latino bridge builders -- sharing their stories.

"We bring people together to answer the question, 'What does it mean to be a Californian'?" Davis-Hayes said.

As the only child of professional parents, it meant a childhood in Downey sheltered from R-rated movies but filled with connections to everyone from inner-city children to Muslims to AIDS' victims.

Velma Davis, her mother, is an administrator at Southgate in the Los Angeles Unified School District. Her father, Everette Hayes, is a retired aerospace engineer.

"We always had all kinds of people in our house," Davis-Hayes said. "I learned about tolerance and acceptance."

Because of strong religious values, she pursued her bachelor's and master's degrees at Campbell University, a small Christian school in Buies Creek, N.C. Two years ago she earned her doctorate in American history.

"While I was barely keeping up with my graduate student schedule, Kenya was writing her dissertation, going on job searches, enrolled in art classes and taking salsa dancing," said friend Erin Kempker, 29. "Networking and socializing are her forte, even when she's really busy."

Both were doctoral candidates together in history at Purdue University in West LaFayette, Ind. Davis-Hayes commutes from her Corona home to Cal Baptist, where she teaches four classes. Senior Daniel Boatright, 22, described her U.S. history course, which he took last year, as "amazing."

"I learned how politics changed from decade to decade," he said, adding that she made history "come alive."

Davis-Hayes said she cracks "horrible jokes" to wake up her students.

At 5-foot, 8-inches tall, she carries herself as the dancer she is, often in high heels. Her hair is woven with dozen of tiny braided extensions. Gold rimless glasses lend a professorial mien, although she considers every day a costume party. Whenever she peers into her closet, she'll wonder: "Is it Donna Reed today, '60's mod or a sexy librarian?" Fond of vintage clothing, she bought a 1950s crinoline to wear under skirts.

Style and fashion sense aside, what sets Davis-Hayes apart is her willingness to mentor, said Chris McHorney, chairman of Cal Baptist's History, Political Science and Criminal Justice Department.

For the past two summers, she and 11 volunteers from the college spent three weeks tutoring students in English and promoted HIV awareness at National University of Rwanda.

Davis-Hayes infuses the same intensity of joy and passion into her personal as well as her professional life, said friend Lindsey Carnick, 26, who studied with her at Purdue.

"She's a Renaissance woman," Carnick said.

At the moment, Davis-Hayes is passionate about the Circle City Kiwanis Club's educational projects and working on the state Senate campaign for Assemblyman John J. Benoit, R-Bermuda Dunes.

"I love the community," Davis-Hayes said. "I love my students."