Daniels graduated from Delta in 1975 with an associate degree in dental assisting. She later returned to Delta as a faculty member, teaching dental assisting from 1978 to 1981 before beginning a career that would take her to community colleges across the country. She ultimately served as president of San Bernardino Valley College in California, Joliet Junior College in Illinois and Taft College in California.
Delta College nominated Daniels for the award in recognition of her commitment to expanding educational opportunities, supporting student success and advancing the community college mission throughout her career.
“Delta College impacted my life three times,” Daniels said during the award ceremony, reflecting on her experiences with Delta Public Radio as a child, attending Delta as a student and later returning as a faculty member.
“So, I owe a lot to Delta College,” she said. “But my story is not different from the zillions of students that you all, as the community college system, serve every day.”
Daniels credits Delta with helping launch a career centered on giving other students the same opportunity she received.
By Mikaila Bluew, writer & editor
