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CARLETON

persons have about the Tribe, its culture, and its sovereign government. I have been astounded at how little people know about our state’s first people.” She said her family has been the primary influence in her life and career. “My parents (Tommy and Jeanette Thrash) were both dedicated employees and energetic community volunteers who set examples of high standards for both me and my sister. I have extreme admiration for my mother who was able to balance her professional and personal lives and who has been a mentor to so many people. “My husband, Robert, has been extremely supportive of me in my career and understanding when my work has had to take precedence.” Other important mentors in her life were longtime ECCC professors Ovid Vickers and Dr. Richard Ethridge. “Of course, I had grown up around them, but I had a new appreciation for them once I became their student. There was never a time that they were not extremely encouraging and supportive. I found out years after receiving an award, that Ovid and Carol Vickers had nominated me for the Mis- sissippi Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40 Award. I was told that it was the most thorough and entertaining nomina- tion file that had ever been received, and I have no doubt that was true. I am grateful for the persons like them in my life who have had genuine, selfless interests in me.” Carleton said there was never any question as to where she would attend college as her family had many ties to the institution, including her father who served as a history professor for many years and for which Thrash Auditorium in Newton Hall is named. “My parents met while attending East Central, and I attended East Central almost daily from about the third grade because I would walk across the street from Decatur Elementary School to my Dad’s office on campus. I would sit in the teacher’s lounge across from his office and complete my homework.” An active student, Carleton was a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, was selected a Homecoming Maid, was a cheerleader, HEADWAE Student of the Year, and was named to the Student Hall of Fame. “The best memories I have of East Central are the friend- ships that I made, many of which I still have today. Home- coming week festivities, Warrior Corps, cheer, and the spring musicals are also special memories. “Throughout my life I have continued to meet people who have connections with East Central Community College. It is always wonderful to make that connection with people and enjoy shared memories of favorite professors and activities at the school.” Carleton continues to represent East Central well, not only in her career, but as a member of the Board of Direc- tors for the ECCC Foundation since 2010. She is also active in numerous community and volunteer organizations. She is a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Mississippi and the University of Mississippi School of Law. Carleton and her husband, Robert Carleton III, reside in Meridian and are members of First Presbyterian Church. They have one son, Robert “Hob” Carleton IV, a sophomore at Lamar School. In addition to her parents, who were both members of the ECCC Class of 1958, her sister, Mev. T. Knight, also graduated from ECCC in 1982.

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Edgar Ray Killen case. “Chief Phillip Martin graciously allowed me to assist Judge Gordon for approximately six months before, during, and after the trial.” However, it’s the mostly unknown, everyday rewards that mean the most to Carleton. “Being selected by my peers to be a Fellow of the MS Bar Foundation and serving as president of the Mississippi Women Lawyers’ Association are also professional accom- plishments that were notable, but there are many more important everyday victories with very real personal conse- quences for litigants and victims that stand out in my mind, such as finding, gaining custody of, and returning an infant from the west coast to his Mississippi relatives.” As with any career, there are good days and there are challenges. She said a great day at work is a day when she and her staff are able to make forward progression in ac- complishing the many goals of the office whether that is with policy work or legislation, tribal, state or federal litiga- tion, obtaining justice for an individual victim, finalizing a big transactional deal, or meeting individual career goals. “A good day at work is when we do not lose ground, but because much of my work relates to federal legislation and case law, there are many setbacks that we contend with that affect Indian Country throughout the nation. “I would imagine that the challenges I face are similar to others who work for or with the public. One challenge that is specific to my position is the lack of knowledge that many

Class of 1972 50-Year Reunion

Thursday, October 20 2 p.m. Brackeen-Wood Gymnasium On the Decatur Campus Special Recognition at 4:15 p.m. During Alumni Awards Presentation

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