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.
Governing Board of Trustees 2024-25
Chair
Leander “Russ” McDonald, Ph.D.
President
United Tribes Technical College
1st Vice Chair
Cynthia Lindquist, Ph.D.
President
Candeska Cikana Community 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
Chief Communications Officer
The Washington Post
Holly Lunsford
Vice President,
Finance Foodservice and On-Premise
The Coca-Cola Company
Twyla Baker, Ph.D.
President
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
Michael Oltrogge, Ph.D.
President
Nebraska Indian Community College
Dawson Her Many Horses, MBA
Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager
Wells Fargo
Brenda Pipestem, J.D.
Of Counsel
Pipestem & Nagel Law
Dan King, MBA
President
Red Lake Nation College
Monte Randall, Ed.D.
President
College of the Muscogee Nation
Meredi Vaughan
CEO
Vladimir Jones
Charles “Monty” Roessel, Ed.D.
President
Diné College
Non-Governing Board of Trustees
Ex-Officio Trustee
CEO
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
Emeritus Trustees
Kimberly Blanchard, Esq.
Gail Bruce
Ramscale Studio
Anne Sward Hansen
Committee Advisors
Robert G. Martin, Ed. D.
President
Institute of American Indian Arts
Michael Purvis
Retired
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.
