Douglas Houchens received his BFA from Richmond Professional Institute and his MFA from Ohio State University. He characterized his paintings as "an expression of life itself" with a personal resolve was to return to the nature and the human spirit through his art. In 1953, he came to Davidson College to establish a Department of Art. He taught at Davidson until his retirement in 1978. One of his students was professor of art and alum, Herb Jackson. A painter and sculptor as well as a teacher, his work has been exhibited in numerous shows and galleries.