Vernon Zacher, Chair of the Tribal College Board of Directors, has been a dedicated member of the Tribal College Board for 23 years and serves as its Chairperson. With a B.S. in Industrial Education from UMD and multiple teaching licenses, he has worked as an Indian Education Specialist with the MN Department of Education and as the Indian Education Director with Cloquet Public Schools. Vernon, who retired in 2008, has received numerous accolades, including a Lifetime Achievement Award from the MN Indian Education Association and an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from FDLTCC.

Bonnie Wallace “Gidagahbineskwe” has been involved with the Tribal College Board since 1988, serving as Chair from 1991 to 1999. She has held significant roles such as Scholarship Director at Fond du Lac Reservation and Director of American Indian Support Programs at Augsburg University. Bonnie, who holds an Honorary Degree of Humanities from MNSCU and a BA in Social Welfare from the University of Minnesota, has dedicated nearly 40 years to community service and continues to serve on the TC Board of Directors.

Carol Beargrease-Wuollet has been a dedicated member of the Tribal College Board since 2017. With a Master of Science in Nursing and currently pursuing a DNP in Integrative Health and Healing, she has over 25 years of experience working as an RN in the Fond du Lac Reservation community. Carol was part of the first class of nursing students at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, participating in courses via satellite TV, and has taken several prerequisites there, making her deeply connected to the institution’s growth and development.

Elizabeth “Lyz” Jaakola has been a committed member of the Tribal College Board since 2006 and has been a tribal educator since 1992, teaching music and American Indian studies. She holds a BM and MM from UM-Duluth and is currently pursuing a PhD in Ethnomusicology. Lyz also serves as a Cloquet City Councilor and sits on the FDL Cultural Advisory Board, having received numerous awards, including the 2022 AARP 50 over 50 Award, 2018 AICF Faculty of the Year, 2017 Native Nation Rebuilder, 2014 Ordway Center Sally Award, 2014 George Morrison Artist Award, 2012 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award, 2009 Native American Music Award, and a 2002 Regional Emmy Award.

Jim Boyd has been a member of the Tribal College Board for approximately 12 years. With a B.S. in Elementary Education from UMD and a Master’s in Special Learning Disabilities from UWS, he has 33 years of experience teaching elementary education. Jim has also worked at two mills in Cloquet and as an automobile mechanic while attending UMD. Jim has enjoyed collaborating on various committees and with leaders at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

Dr. Robert “Sonny” Peacock, an enrolled member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, is the Director/CEO of the Fond du Lac Tribal College and the Reservation’s liaison to the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. A Disabled Vietnam War Veteran, he holds a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of Minnesota. Dr. Peacock has served as the elected Chairman of the Fond du Lac Reservation Business Committee for sixteen years and as the President of the White Earth Tribal and Community College before taking his current role in 2009.