Midland College announces the dedication of the David E. Daniel Residence Hall

By Lesley Isaacs

“Dr. David E. Daniel had an exceptional vision during his 17-year tenure as president of Midland College. His accomplishments affected not only the students, but also our quality of life in the Permian Basin,” said Spencer Beal, chair of the Midland College (MC) Foundation Investment Committee.

Beal recently led efforts for the MC Foundation in raising over $1.2 million for the Chaparral Circle Endowment Fund to recognize the accomplishments of retired MC President Dr. David Daniel. Now, the fundraising campaign will culminate in the dedication of the David E. Daniel Residence Hall, one of four student housing facilities on the MC campus.

Dedication of the David E. Daniel Residence Hall
Friday, September 14, 11:00 a.m.
Follow the directional signs to dedication location. Reception to be held immediately following dedication ceremony in Scharbauer Student Center's Carrasco Room

During Daniel’s tenure as MC President, the college saw a 50 percent increase in enrollment, a $41.8 million bond pass with 70 percent approval and the creation of a baccalaureate degree. (MC is one of only three community colleges in the state to offer such a degree.)

Other David Daniel accomplishments include the establishment of the Midland College Advanced Technology Center, which provides state-of-the-art computer and technical skills training to over 14,000 high school (MISD) students, college students and employees of Permian Basin businesses; the establishment of the Cogdell Learning Center serving South and East Midland; the creation of the Davidson Distinguished Lecture Series and the Phyllis & Bob Cowan Performing Arts Series; and various campus expansion projects including the Dorothy and Todd Aaron Medical Science Building, the Leona G. and John E. Fox Science Building, the F. Marie Hall Academic Building and the Dollye Neal Chapel. In addition, Daniel was instrumental in expanding facilities and in increasing enrollment in MC’s nursing and allied health programs.

Before he retired from Midland College in August of 2008, Daniel said, “I am proud of MC’s place among other community colleges, the development of which has helped to keep this nation at the top of civilization as we know it! People often say to me, ‘We’re so proud of our college.’ That sense of ownership means everything.” Midland College is still proud of the fact that it is Midland’s college. “Never has a college enjoyed such amazing community support as that given to Midland College,” noted current MC President Dr. Steve Thomas. “One would think that after 40 years, the ‘honeymoon’ would be over; however, the Midland community and Midland College continue to appreciate a mutually supportive relationship.”

Thomas continued, “It is very fitting that we dedicate one of our residence halls as a tribute to David Daniel who gave 17 years of service to Midland College and the Midland community! I am privileged to continue to lead MC in its tradition of excellence.”

About David E. Daniel
Dr. David E. Daniel retired as the third president of Midland College in August 2008, after 17 years. He came to Midland from Harrisburg, PA, where he served as Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Community Colleges and the Pennsylvania Federation of Community College Trustees.

He received his B.A. degree from Furman University, Greenville, SC; his M.Div. Degree from Colgate-Rochester Divinity Schools, Rochester, NY; and his Ed.D. in Community College Education from North Carolina State University.

In 1991-1992, Dr. Daniel was Chair of the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC), the highest elected office among America’s community colleges. He was a member of the AACC Board from 1988-1993, and in 2005, Daniel was chosen by the AACC trustees as the Outstanding Chief Executive Officer for the Western Region. Daniel’s service to Texas higher education includes serving as president of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and as a member of the Texas Council of Workforce and Economic Competitiveness.

Dr. Daniel’s past board affiliations in the Midland community include the Petroleum Club, Midland Country Club, Midland Chamber of Commerce and FirstCapital Bank of Texas. In 2001, he was named Fundraiser of the Year by the Permian Basin Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals, and in 2005, he was given the Boy Scouts of America, Buffalo Trail Council’s “Distinguished Citizen Award.”

Dr. Daniel has authored and co-authored numerous publications, most of them about the role of the community college.