Blessings for President Vermillion’s Retirement from Sitting Bull College
Dr. Laurel Vermillion, Lakȟóta name Oyate Wanyanka Pi Win, has retired as the President of Sitting Bull College (SBC) after serving for nearly two decades. As we bid farewell to this remarkable leader, let us take a moment to reflect on her legacy.
We recognize her visionary leadership, significant achievements, and unwavering commitment to education and the preservation of Lakȟóta and Dakhóta culture, language, and traditions. Under her guidance, SBC has achieved tremendous growth and important milestones. We express our heartfelt appreciation to President Vermillion for her invaluable contributions that have positively impacted countless lives within the Standing Rock Nation and beyond. Although she will be dearly missed, we are excited to welcome a new era of leadership under incoming President Dr. Tomi Kay Phillips, Lakȟóta name Cante Wakan Win (Sacred Heart Woman). We look forward to building on the foundation set by President Vermillion and other past presidents. This is a moment of reflection and hope, and we sincerely thank President Vermillion for all she has done to help make SBC what it is today and influence where the future leads.
Her commitment to Sitting Bull College, including students, faculty, and staff, is evident in her reflection of her time at SBC.
As I complete 18 years of presidency for Sitting Bull College, my heart is happy and content with my decision to retire. SBC celebrated 50 years in 2023. The last 50 years have included exciting and amazing achievements. Our beautiful campus with state-of-the-art classrooms and labs are now in place for our students. Also, in 2023, the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) awarded another ten years of accreditation for Sitting Bull College. These and many more achievements are the result of a strong and effective faculty and staff team, a supportive Board of Trustees, and caring and effective administrators. This is our SBC Family.
With our new president, Dr. Tomi Kay Phillips, at the helm, I am confident that SBC will continue to strive for excellence and will always be guided by our beautiful Lakȟóta and Dakhóta culture and traditions.
~Dr. L. Vermillion
Dr. Vermillion looks forward to supporting tribal colleges and universities in advisory capacities. In addition, she has plans post-retirement to support K-12 schools and teachers on Standing Rock, focusing on mentorship and cultural awareness. She aims to enhance understanding of the Lakȟóta / Dakhóta way of life among educators.
The staff of the ND EPSCoR Office along with all of the participants in the NSF EPSCoR Track-1 ND-ACES project wish President Vermillion many blessings as she embarks on this new journey.
