Caroline Belvin was born near San Antonio and educated at Coronal Institute near San Marcos. She graduated from SHNI in 1882 and returned to the San Marcos area. In 1903 she accepted a teaching position at SHNI as an instructor of primary and interpretive reading. She later held the title of Dean of Women from 1917 until her resignation from SHSTC in 1929.

The Caroline Belvin Society was named in her honor; the Alpha Delta Pi sorority grew out of this early-1900s organization.

Belvin-Buchanan Hall is a student residence that carries her name.