We share with sadness the news of the passing of two tribal college leaders in January. Their stories of leadership and wisdom follow. We pray for both Dr. Jim Davis and Dr. Monty Roessel to have a good journey to be with our ancestors and for strength and peace for their families, friends, and communities.
Dr. James “Jim” Lester Davis (Big Eagle – Chi Migizi), passed away January 4, 2025.
Dr. Davis was the former President of Turtle Mountain College, served for many years on the American Indian College Fund board, and was a highly respected educator.
Born to Russell Sr. and Leona (Delorme) Davis on the Turtle Mountain Indian Reservation in Belcourt, North Dakota, he was the second oldest of 10 children and was surrounded by the love and support of his parents and siblings, which created the foundation for him to carry the strength, wisdom, and resilience of his heritage.
A lifelong learner and accomplished scholar, he discovered a love of competition growing up on his family’s farm where his parents held horse races, and he and his brother Howard became well-known jockeys. In high school he enjoyed competing and excelling in track, football, and basketball.
After graduating from Turtle Mountain Community High School in Belcourt, North Dakota, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Dickinson State University, where he also excelled in track and field and cross country, setting individual and team records. Notably, he was a member of the two-mile relay team, alongside Butch Thunderhawk, Charles Lowman, and Don Blevins Sr., which broke the long-standing record at Black Hills State—a record that held for over 30 years.
His academic journey at North Dakota State University, where he earned a Master of Education degree, continued at Pennsylvania State University, where he earned a Doctor of Education. His dedication to lifelong learning extended to completing post-doctoral coursework at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to further enhance his expertise.
Dr. Davis’ dedication to education went beyond personal achievement; it became a guiding light that inspired and shaped the lives of countless colleagues and students.
A man of vision and tireless commitment, Dr. Davis held numerous leadership roles throughout his career. He served as President of Turtle Mountain Community College, teacher, coach, program director, elementary school principal, school superintendent in Rocky Boy, Montana, the Wahpeton Indian School, Director of Indian Education Programs for the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction, and Dean of Education at United Tribes Technical College. His influence extended far beyond North Dakota, as he consulted for tribal, state, and federal institutions across the nation, leaving an indelible mark on education, community development, and tribal sovereignty.
His accomplishments were recognized with numerous honors, including being named North Dakota Indian Educator of the Year, a Bush Fellowship Recipient, and being inducted into the Dickinson State University Athletic Hall of Fame as a Track and field team member and as an individual. He was also a Golden Hawk Award recipient, the highest honor bestowed upon Dickinson State alumni. An All-American athlete in track and field, Dr. Davis carried the spirit of competition and excellence into every facet of his life.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Davis was deeply involved in community service. He volunteered for Little League baseball and football, local church initiatives, and community events like Turtle Mountain Days. His leadership extended into governance and policy, serving on prestigious boards for the National Indian Education Association, the American Indian College Fund, and Haskell Indian Nations University Board of Regents, to name a few.
Despite his many accolades and far-reaching influence, Dr. Davis’ greatest pride was his family. He shared a loving marriage of 56 years to his Carmelita “Lita” (Pleets). They were married on July 6, 1968, and together they raised four children: Scott (Lorraine), Dustin (Laisee), Ray Moore Sr., Kerri (Koleman), and Jayme. In addition, through the traditional Huŋkálowaŋpi (making of relative) ceremony, Dale Brown was taken as a brother, and Mark Fox was taken as a son.
He had a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Seanna, Bentlee, Madalynn, Anthony, Angelina, Santana, Scott Jr., Beau, Sylas, Syrenity, Syleigh, and Sylar. His love for his family was unwavering, and his legacy lives on through them.
Dr. Davis is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; siblings Howard (Bernie), Russell Jr. “Chutch” (Stephanie), Maureen (Rick), Alvina (Jerry), Brenda, and Ramona, all of Belcourt; Rod (Rose) of New Town, North Dakota, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and godchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents Russell Davis Sr., and Leona (Delorme) Davis, his brothers David Bradley and Glen Clarence, and granddaughter Cecilia Marie.
Dr. Jim Davis was a man of integrity, humility, and boundless dedication to his people. He leaves behind a legacy of leadership, knowledge, and love that will continue to inspire generations to come.
He will be deeply missed but forever remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and the countless lives he touched.
A wake and funeral services were held at the Turtle Mountain College Auditorium. Burial will be held in the spring of 2025.
“A life well-lived, a legacy well-earned, and a spirit that will forever guide us.” Read full obituary: https://www.elickfh.com/obituary/james-davis
Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel passed away peacefully on January 6, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Dr. Roessel was a dedicated leader and advocate for Navajo education and will be remembered for his transformative contributions as President of Diné College, where he assumed leadership in 2017, bringing a vision of progress and an unwavering commitment to the institution’ s vital role in higher education. His leadership brought an era defined by innovation, growth, and a deep dedication to empowering students and supporting nation-building.
In a press release about his death, Theresa Hatathlie, Chair of the Diné College Board of Regents said, “Dr. Roessel’ s leadership was transformative. He elevated opportunities for Diné College students while creating pathways that connected education to the broader goals of the Navajo Nation. He left an indelible impact on our institution and on tribal colleges across the country.”
One of Dr. Roessel’s hallmark achievements was his pivotal role in expanding Diné College from a two-year to a four-year institution. His administration spearheaded innovative programs, including the development of a Navajo Nation tribal law program, which recently welcomed its first class of students. He also opened the School of Transformation, a non-degree-seeking certificate program that provides professional development, continuing education units, training programs and self-directed courses. His leadership enriched learning opportunities for Diné students and affirmed Diné College as a leader in tribal higher education at the national level.
In addition to his role at Diné College, Dr. Roessel served on the American Indian College Fund Board of Trustees and was named as the College Fund’s 2023-24 Tribal College President of the Year. The honor recognizes a distinguished individual who has made a positive and lasting impact on the tribal college movement.
Dr. Roessel’s legacy lives on through his tireless dedication to Navajo education and his lasting contributions to Diné College and the Navajo Nation. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Dr. Roessel’ family has requested privacy during this time. Please direct all inquiries to family friend, Mark Trahant, at trahantmark@outlook.com. Further details will be forthcoming.
