Davenport Receives JSCC’s 2021 Distinguished Retiree Award

Carol Davenport was announced as the recipient of Jefferson State 2021 Distinguished Retiree Award at the Retiree Luncheon on Thursday, Oct. 28.

Davenport positively affected numerous students during her 27-year career, and since her retirement in 1998, she continues to positively impact the lives of others.

“Because of her contributions to the well-being of her community in mind, body, and spirit, Carol Davenport was selected as the 2021 Distinguished Retiree,” Guin Robinson, Jefferson State Dean of Economic Development, said in presenting the award to Davenport.

Since 2005, Davenport has served in numerous leadership roles for the Jefferson County Alumni Chapter Scholarship Committee of the University of Alabama. The committee awards 16 scholarships each year.

In 2017, Davenport was inducted into “Women of the Capstone” for her work in support of the University, including speaking and representing the university to civic groups. She judges speech and debate tournaments in colleges and high schools.  She also reads for the high school Scholar’s Bowl Tournaments in Jefferson and Etowah counties.

Davenport contributes to the well-being of her community in body through teaching and service. She holds certifications in group exercise and Silver Sneakers and began teaching aerobics at the Trussville YMCA in 2000, continuing to earn certifications in multiple areas.

Her service on the Trussville Park and Recreation Board has resulted in the acquisition of the Civic Center and an upcoming new Sports Complex. In addition, Davenport served by writing guidelines and regulations for city events. She also has served as a liaison for youth cheerleading, youth football, youth baseball, and mountain biking.

Finally, Davenport contributes to the well-being of her community in spirit by writing and revising lessons and discussion guides for several churches and a women’s spring retreat. Davenport led a monthly women’s Bible study for Canterbury Methodist Ladies and taught in a “Lay Minister’s” Theology program. Currently, she teaches a teen Sunday school class and teaches camp counselors at Crossroads Christian Camp.

“Carol has certainly distinguished herself during retirement by enhancing the well-being of her community and continues personally affecting others by mentoring and counseling,” Robinson said.

Davenport’s nominator for the award wrote that Davenport took her under her wing, became her mentor, and helped her succeed, and they developed a lasting friendship. The nominator wrote that she is thankful for the impact Davenport made in her life and for the impact Davenport makes every day in her community.

Previous winners of the Distinguished Retiree Award include Ann Fulmer in 2020, Betty Williams in 2019, Janice Roberts in 2018 and Tom Henderson in 2017.