Constance M. Carroll facts for kids

Constance M. Carroll, born on September 12, 1945, is an important American leader in education. She worked as the chancellor of the San Diego Community College District from 2004 until 2021. She has dedicated her career to helping students get a good education.

Her Journey in Education

Constance Carroll studied at Duquesne University. There, she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities in 1966. She then spent a year studying Greek history in Athens. In 1969, she earned a Master's degree in Classics from the University of Pittsburgh. Later, she earned her PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) in Classics from Pittsburgh. Her PhD research focused on ancient Greek plays.

Her Career and Leadership

Between 1968 and 1972, Carroll taught and held leadership roles at the University of Pittsburgh. She then moved to the University of Maine. There, she worked as an assistant dean and later as an associate dean. She also taught Classics.

Becoming a College President

At just 31 years old, Constance Carroll made history. She became the youngest Black woman to lead a college in the United States. This was when she became president of Indian Valley Colleges. She also led Saddleback College in Orange County. For 11 years, from 1993 to 2004, she was the president of San Diego Mesa College.

National Roles and Retirement

In 2011, President Obama chose Carroll to be on the National Council on the Humanities. She served for six years. She also worked on many local, state, and national groups. These groups focused on helping the San Diego area, making education available to everyone, and improving the economy.

In May 2020, Carroll joined the National Advisory Board of College Promise. This program helps students attend college without paying tuition. She had already helped start a similar program in San Diego.

Constance Carroll retired as chancellor on July 1, 2021. After retiring, she became the president and CEO of the California Community College Baccalaureate Association. She had helped create this organization. In 2023, President Joe Biden appointed her to the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

Personal Life

Constance Carroll is a member of the Catholic Church.

Awards and Honors

Constance Carroll has received many awards for her hard work and leadership.

• 1996: Harry Buttimer Award, a top honor for California Community College leaders.
• 2004: Visionary Award for Economic Opportunity from LEAD San Diego.
• 2007: Marie Y. Martin CEO Award from the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT).
• 2009: Whitney M. Young, Jr., Leadership Award from the Urban League of San Diego County.
• 2013: Leadership in Action Award from Mental Health America of San Diego County.
• 2013: Trailblazer Award from the San Diego Women's Hall of Fame.
• 2014: Darlene Marcos Shiley Education Leadership Award.
• 2014: Tireless Advocate for Public Education Award.
• 2015: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Human Dignity Award from the YMCA of San Diego County.
• 2016: Moving San Diego Forward award from the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce.
• 2017: Pioneer Award for her work in making college degrees more accessible.
• 2019: Woman of the Year in Senate District 39, awarded by Senate President Toni Atkins.
• 2019: Lifetime Leadership Award from the Central San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce.
• 2019: Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Association for Community College Entrepreneurship (NACCE).
• 2022: Clark Kerr Award for outstanding leadership in higher education.