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Dr. Don Monte Morris (born March 13, 1930) is a retired Naval officer, a former college and adult school administrator and educator (primarily in San Luis Obispo county), and successful Senior Olympics athlete. Morris has been recognized for his achievements in all three areas. Morris has also been elected to two public offices.

Early life
Morris was born on March 13, 1930, in Hollywood, California. He graduated from Chaffey High School, and went on to graduate from Mt. San Antonio College in 1950 where he ran in the National Junior College Athletic Association Championship at the Los Angeles Coliseum and placed third in both the high and low hurdles. Morris earned an athletic scholarship to California Polytechnic State College, and in 1953 earned a Bachelors Degree. In 1958, he earned a Master’s Degree in Education. Morris then received a Doctorate in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1968.

U.S. Navy
Morris entered the Navy during the Korean War in 1950. After earning his Bachelor's degree, Morris re-enlisted in the Navy in 1953 and earned his Naval Aviator wings from the Naval Aviation Training Command at Pensacola Florida, and eventually became a Naval Airship Pilot. He served in active duty for four years (1950-1954), and continued to serve in the Navy Reserve for decades afterward. After 42 years of service in active duty and the reserves, Morris retired from the Navy in 1990 as a Commander.

Cal Poly administration and teaching
In 1957, Morris took a job at California Polytechnic State College as Assistant Director of Student Housing and began his extensive career in education. By 1959 he had accumulated responsibilities as Counselor, and Coordinator of student scholarships, loans, and grants, and in that same year, Morris was appointed as Director of College Personnel. He held that position until 1962, when Morris left the college for eight years. He returned in 1970 to serve as the Associate Dean of Continuing Education and to teach as a Professor of Education. Morris held this dual appointment until 1981, when he resigned as Associate Dean. He continued to teach as a Professor of Education until 1992.

Adult School administration (1962-1970)
After his departure from Cal Poly in 1962, Morris began working as the Principal of San Luis Obispo Adult School. In 1964, Morris left San Luis Obispo to serve as the Principal of the Simi Valley Adult School. Morris also served as Associate Dean of the Evening Division of Moorpark College from its founding in 1967 until 1970.

Basketball in retirement
Building on his collegiate athletic career, Morris cultivated his athletic talent throughout his professional career, primarily through basketball. Upon retirement from California Polytechnic State University in 1992, Morris began participating in World Senior Games, National Senior Olympic’s and Senior Games basketball and has won over 100 medals. Morris has participated in these competitions in Florida, Nevada, Texas, Louisiana, Oregon, Utah and California. In 2009, at the age of 79, Morris joined a team that won the gold medal at the National Senior Games in 3 on 3 basketball.

In 2008, Morris won the World Games Basketball Championship at St. George, Utah in free throw shooting and the “Basketball two minute drill”. Morris continues to train with the goal of competing at the age of 100.

Honors
Throughout his professional and military careers, and in retirement, Morris has received many honors including:
 * Honored Alumnus, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
 * Distinguished Alumni Award, Mt. San Antonio College
 * Commendation from the Association of the United State Army