Meet Our Team
Meet The American Indian College Fund Team
Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota)
“Mitakuyepi, Relatives”
President and CEO
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 2021-22
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:
Sandra Boham
President
Salish Kootenai College
Resource Development Chair:
Brenda Pipestem, J.D.
Of Counsel
Pipestem & Nagel Law
Member At Large:
Michael Purvis
Managing Director
The Blackstone Group
Twyla Baker, Ph.D.
President
Nueta Hidatsa Sahnish College
Lynn Dee Rapp
President
Eagle Opportunity
Tom Brooks, J.D.
Vice President
External Affairs
AT&T
Charles “Monty” Roessel, Ed.D.
President
Diné College
Haven Gourneau
President
Fort Peck Community College
President
Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College
Justin Guillory, Ph.D.
President
Northwest Indian College
Denine Torr
Executive Director,
Dollar General Literacy Foundation & Senior Director, Corporate Community Initiatives; Dollar General Corporation
Dawson Her Many Horses, MBA
Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Manager
Wells Fargo
Meredi Vaughan
CEO
Vladimir Jones
Dan King, MBA
President
Red Lake Nation College
Dennis Worden
Director
Walmart, Inc.
Stefanie D. Miller
President
Away From Home, Kellogg
David E. Yarlott, Ph.D.
President
Little Big Horn College
Michael Oltrogge
President
Nebraska Indian Community College
Non-Governing Board of Trustees
Ex-Officio Trustee
Carrie Billy, Esq.
President and CEO
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
Emeritus Trustees
Gail Bruce
Ramscale Studio
Anne Sward Hansen
Committee Advisors
Kimberly Blanchard, Esq.
Partner
Weil, Gotshal and Manges, LLP
Robert G. Martin, Ed. D.
President
Institute of American Indian Arts
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.
Learn More About Us
How to Help
Currently only 15% of American Indians hold college degrees. But with 42% of Native Americans being 24 years old or younger, you have the opportunity to make an incredible impact for this generation and generations to come when you donate today.