David Yarlott

President, Little Big Horn College Alumnus, Student Support Services, Montana State University–Bozeman

I attended Montana State University (MSU) in Bozeman, MT from 1989 to 1994, as an undergraduate student in Business Management. I had some previous college experience but as a new student at MSU, I was not prepared for the large campus, the large classes, and the increased demands academically. The unexpected changes were overwhelming.

I struggled adjusting to the increased demands and responsibilities of campus life, including Financial Aid, selecting courses, budgeting, requesting tutors. During my second quarter I heard about the Advance By Choice (Student Support Services) Program for first generation/low income students. Without their services, advice, and encouragement I’d have had a much tougher time with college and might not have completed my degrees.

“Without their [SSS] services, advice, and encouragement I’d have had a much tougher time with college and might not have completed my degrees.”

I returned to the community I grew up in and became employed at Little Big Horn College, the tribal college I once attended. I now serve as President of Little Big Horn College. Many of my successes are linked to my experiences with the TRIO Programs. I have been fortunate: selected to serve as the Board Chair for the American Indian College Fund; serving as an Executive Officer at-Large for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium; and appointed by the Governor of Montana to be on an Advisory Committee for the Montana Correctional Enterprise.

Of course, we have a Student Support Services Program at Little Big Horn College. As president, I am committed to ensuring that the program is fully supported with space, equipment, and other resources needed to assist our students. I thank the MSU Advance By Choice for all the years of support. And I commend all the other TRIO Programs across the nation for a job well done. Ahoo!