Michelle Davis was born and raised in Johnson County, Indiana, where her roots in faith, family, and hard work shaped the person she is today. The daughter of a mason and vocational teacher, Michelle grew up mixing concrete, hauling materials on job sites, and learning the value of hard work from her father. Her grandfather, Custer Baker, served as superintendent of Johnson County Schools for more than 30 years, leaving a lasting legacy on local education. Her maternal grandfather, Norman Stucker, was a Marine who fought in Okinawa, Japan during World War II. He was born in Nineveh, Indiana, and his service left a lasting impression on Michelle’s family.

 

A natural leader and athlete, Michelle excelled at Franklin Community High School, where she was an Indiana All-Star, Mini Miss Basketball, and set a national free throw record that still stands today. She earned a Division I basketball scholarship to Ball State University, where she played all four years before graduating with her degree in elementary education. Later, she earned her Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis on Career and Technical Education from Purdue University.

 

After college, Michelle worked for Ameritech/AT&T as a systems analyst before helping run the family business while raising her young children. When a serious accident changed her family’s life, Michelle experienced firsthand the struggles families face when hit with hardship. She relied on faith, resilience, and her community to get through those difficult years, an experience that continues to shape her perspective as both a wife, mom, and legislator.

 

Today, Michelle serves as the Director of Adult Education at Central Nine Career Center, where she has expanded opportunities for Hoosiers to earn their GEDs and career certifications. She has devoted her career to helping others find new paths to success and ensuring students and adults alike have access to skills that lead to good-paying jobs.

 

Her passion for education and workforce development led Michelle into public service, where she now represents Johnson County in the Indiana House of Representatives. In office, she has championed commonsense conservative policies: protecting female athletes by ensuring fairness in girls’ and women’s sports, safeguarding parental rights in education, standing up for medical freedom, and expanding career and technical education. As Vice Chair of the House Education Committee, Michelle is known as a trusted voice who puts Hoosier families first. 

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Michelle also serves on the Board of Governors for the Indianapolis Children’s Dyslexia Center, working to expand resources and support for students and families. In 2021, she created the “Hardworking Hoosier Award” to recognize everyday residents in her district who go above and beyond for their families, jobs, and communities. The award has become a meaningful tradition that highlights the values of service and perseverance Michelle works to champion at the Statehouse.

 

Michelle and her husband James have been married for over 30 years and raised their two children in Johnson County. James and their son are both masons, and James is a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason — continuing a proud family tradition of craftsmanship and service. A lifelong Hoosier, she continues to bring the values of faith, family, and hard work to everything she does.