Davis Named LCC 2026 Cardinal Citee

Labette Community College (LCC) and the LCC Alumni Association are pleased to announce that Dr. Trinity Davis has been selected as the recipient of the 2026 Cardinal Citation Award. This prestigious and long-standing honor is the highest recognition LCC bestows upon individuals, celebrating a lifetime of exceptional service to the college and/or to their communities.

The 2026 ceremony will mark the 54th annual presentation of the Cardinal Citation Award.

Davis is an award-winning educator, curriculum design expert, and national advocate for educational equity whose work is transforming how teachers are recruited, prepared, and supported across the country. A Parsons native and graduate of Parsons High School, Davis began her higher education journey at Labette Community College, where she built the foundation for a career dedicated to expanding opportunity through education.

She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Education from Pittsburg State University, a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Emporia State University, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction from Kansas State University.

Shaped by her own educational experiences and a desire to address the absence of culturally responsive teaching in classrooms, Davis’s commitment to equity began early. That purpose has guided her throughout a distinguished career spanning K–12 education, higher education, and district leadership. She has served as a classroom teacher and literacy coach in Kansas public schools, an associate professor in the College of Education at Pittsburg State University, and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, and Professional Development for Kansas City Public Schools, where she led large-scale academic initiatives and supported educators across dozens of schools.

Davis founded the Urban Suburban Experience (USE) minor while on staff at Pittsburg State University. This forward-thinking program was designed for preservice teachers to gain experience in large and diverse districts outside of their Southeast Kansas experience at Pitt State. 

Today, Davis serves as the Founder and President of Teachers Like Me, a nationally recognized nonprofit organization focused on increasing the number of Black teachers and improving retention through innovative, wraparound support. The organization recruits aspiring educators, provides mentorship and professional development, and addresses systemic barriers—including access to affordable housing—helping teachers succeed in their first years and beyond. Her work has drawn national attention for its impact on both educator diversity and student success.

A respected voice in education, Davis is a frequent presenter on topics including literacy achievement, culturally responsive teaching, and effective classroom practices. She has served on numerous professional committees and advisory boards and is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., reflecting her deep commitment to service and community leadership.

Her impact has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Labette Community College Distinguished Alumni Award (2018), the Pittsburg State University Outstanding Alumni Award (2022), the Urban League of Kansas City Difference Maker Award (2025), and recognition as a Kelly Clarkson Good Neighbor Award honoree. These accolades reflect both her professional excellence and her unwavering dedication to creating more equitable educational systems.

Despite her national influence, Davis remains deeply connected to her roots in Parsons and to Labette Community College. Her journey from LCC student to nationally recognized leader serves as a powerful example of the life-changing impact of community colleges and the opportunities they create for students to make a difference far beyond their hometowns.

Davis and her husband, Edward, are the proud parents of two children, Jade and Noah.

She will be honored at the 54th Annual Cardinal Citation Reception on Friday, May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the Cardinal Event Center. The public is invited to attend. Davis will also deliver the commencement address to the LCC class of 2026.

For more information about the Cardinal Citation Award please visit www.labette.edu/foundation/cardinal-citation or contact Executive Director, Lindi Forbes at 620-820-1212 or lindif@labette.edu.