Only a few people know that it was Carol Davis who is responsible for the funding that started the college. It happened in 1971, on a return airplane flight from Seattle, writing on napkins, Carol composed a proposal for a federal grant that eventually resulted in the funding. Carol had paid for the trip to Seattle with her own money. Without a doubt this created a financial hardship for her young family. Carol knew it was important that someone argue for the Turtle Mountain Chippewa Tribe before a group of national educators who were meeting in Seattle to create a consortium of newly established tribal colleges. Not surprising Carol was convincing and the group gave their support for a tribal college at Turtle Mountain. One year later, in November 1972, the Turtle Mountain Community College was established by tribal resolution. Today, 40 years later, hundreds of tribal members have successfully attained a college education and are enjoying good jobs and a better life because Carol Davis had a vision, and because of that proposal she wrote on airplane napkins 40 years ago.
Carol has been a leader in many aspects of TMCC planning, development, and implementation. During the formative years either acting alone or by applying her ability to work with others she helped to secure a unique legal relationship between TMCC and the tribal government. Later she helped to build essential relationships with the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education, with federal agencies, and accrediting associations.
When Carol joined TMCC in the mid 1980's as its Vice President she quickly engaged herself in accreditation, improving quality of instruction, and by service to students and community. Over the years she marshaled the writing of numerous successful proposals. Her contributions are many including the first fully accredited elementary teaching degree at a tribal college and a 4-year secondary teaching degree with an emphasis in science and mathematics education.
I had the honor to serve TMCC for about 33 years and its president for about 27 years. I left the college in 2005. Carol would have been an excellent choice to become the next president. This did not happen and she subsequently left the college and was immediately hired by North Dakota State University as the EPSCoR liaison to tribal colleges. In this capacity she has been assisting students who are pursuing 4-year and graduate science and engineering degrees and with developing research potential at tribal colleges.
Much more can be said about her work. Carol has been involved in several important state and national education initiatives, has given many public presentations, and has served on numerous advisory boards. With her many professional accomplishments Carol and her family have earned the right to be proud of each one. Telling her story would fill a book. When a comprehensive history of Turtle Mountain tribal education and of Turtle Mountain Community College is written the book will include the many contributions of Dr. Carol Davis. Carol would be the first to acknowledge the hard work of those with whom she has served, the boards and staffs at the college, those in the schools, and the people of the Turtle Mountain community. Carol, we wish you well.
Enjoy the time with your husband Lynn, your children and many grandchildren. Thank-you for everything you have done. You are truly a remarkable-visionary leader and will continue to be a role model for young woman and men.
