Dawn Frank facts for kids

Dawn Tobacco Frank (whose Lakota name is Lakota: Ta Oyate Wiyankapi Win) is an American biologist and a leader in education. She is currently the president of Oglala Lakota College. Her Lakota name means "Her People See Her."

Early Life and Background

Dawn Frank grew up on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. She is a member of the Oglala Sioux tribe. Her parents were Sylvia Tobacco and Darrell Two Crow. Her grandparents were Stephen “Psin” Tobacco and Caroline Catches Tobacco, and Justin “Judson” Two Crow and Anna “Annie” Chief Eagle-Two Crow.

Education Journey

Dawn Frank finished her elementary and high school education at Red Cloud Indian School in 1989.

While working and raising her five children, she continued her studies. She earned two degrees from Oglala Lakota College (OLC): an associate's degree and a bachelor's degree in human services, both in 2001.

She then started a master's degree in Lakota leadership at OLC. Later, she joined a special program at South Dakota State University (SDSU) called "Prairie Ph.D." This program was supported by the W. K. Kellogg Foundation. In 2010, she earned her Ph.D. in biological sciences from SDSU. Her research focused on bringing together Lakota culture and biological science. After her Ph.D., she also completed her master's degree in Lakota leadership from OLC.

Career in Education

Dawn Frank has held several important roles at Oglala Lakota College.

• From 2005 to 2013, she was the head of the graduate studies department.
• From 2013 to 2022, she served as the vice president of instruction.
• On July 18, 2022, Dawn Frank became the president of Oglala Lakota College. She took over from Thomas Short Bull.

Personal Life

Dawn Frank is married to Albert Frank. They have five children. She continues to live on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.