Meet Our Team
Meet The American Indian College Fund Team
President and CEO
Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota)
“Mitakuyepi, Relatives”
Only 15% of American Indians and Alaska Natives (AIAN) age 25 and older have a college degree — less than half of that of other groups in the United States. This reflects the college access and completion crisis amongst Native peoples today. The American Indian College Fund, a 501(c)(3) organization, helps Native people meet their full potential by helping them access a higher education. But financial support is not enough. The College Fund also provides Native students with the tools, programs, and support they need to succeed.
The results are worth it. A higher education is equated with improved rates of employment, self-esteem, and health outcomes, creating a healthier and happier future for individuals, families, and communities.
My work in my near 40-year education career is inspired by the TCU founders’ vision to serve the entire community. When I attend a TCU graduation, I see young people who entered college from high school, students who earned a GED and stayed to get a certificate or degree, and older students who spent years pursuing a degree while working and raising a family. With your support, we can provide even more Native students with a higher education and the tools they need to build a bright future for themselves, their families, and their communities.
Pilamayayapi (thank you) for your support and friendship,
Wacinyanpi Win (They Depend on Her)
Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota)
Leadership Team
David Sanders, Ph.D.
(Oglala Lakota) Vice President, Research, Evaluation and Faculty Development
American Indian College Fund
Board of Trustees
The American Indian College Fund’s Board of Trustees meets three times per year. Under the charter of the American Indian College Fund, 50% of the Board of Trustees must be tribal college and university presidents.
Trustees serve a term of three years.
Board of Trustees
Chair
Leander “Russ” McDonald, Ph.D.
President
United Tribes Technical College
1st Vice Chair
Twyla Baker, Ph.D.
President
Nueta Hidasta Sahnish College
2nd Vice Chair
Duane Bedell
President
Bay Mills Community College
Member At Large
Bill Parker
Retired
Resource Development Chair
Ashley Hubka
Senior Vice President & General Manager
Walmart
Kathy Baird
SVP, Chief Impact Officer
McDonald’s USA
Nicole Bellefeuille, J.D.
Vice President
BlackRock
President
Aaniiih Nakoda College
President
Chief Dull Knife College
President
Oglala Lakota College
Nalneesh Gaur
Principal
PricewaterhouseCoopers
Holly Lunsford
Vice President, Finance Foodservice and On-Premise
The Coca-Cola Company
Michael Oltrogge, Ph.D.
President
Nebraska Indian Community College
Brenda Pipestem, J.D.
Of Counsel
Pipestem & Nagel Law
Monte Randall, Ed.D.
President
College of the Muscogee Nation
Non-Voting Board of Trustees
Ex-Officio Trustee
Ahniwake Rose
President and CEO
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
Student Representatives
Dakota Waupoose (Alternate)
Chenoa Webster
Promise Mace (Alternate)
Emeritus Trustees
Kimberly Blanchard, Esq.
Gail Bruce
Ramscale Studio
Anne Sward Hansen
Committee Advisors
Retired
Meredi Vaughan
CEO
Vladimir Jones
Corporate Officers
Cheryl Crazy Bull
President
Carrie Basgall
Secretary
Tamela Miller-Carlson
Treasurer
Employees
The College Fund places its mission at the core of everything we do and how we do it. Our team is focused on creating and improving opportunity for Native individuals and communities who need it most. We thrive in our dedication to accomplishing our work together as a whole team.
