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American Indian College Fund Names Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College, its 2025-2026 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year

American Indian College Fund Names Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald, President of United Tribes Technical College, its 2025-2026 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year

Congratulations to Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald on being named the College Fund’s 2025-26 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year. Dr. McDonald shares how healing, humility, learning, and evolving have not only shaped his mindset as president of United Tribes Technical College but a life dedicated to others.

American Indian College Fund Staff Co-Author Research in Support of Indigenous Women’s Leadership 

American Indian College Fund Staff Co-Author Research in Support of Indigenous Women’s Leadership 

In recognition of the fact that the leadership experiences of Indigenous women is an under-researched topic, two Native leaders at the American Indian College Fund co-authored a journal article on this topic. Their team analyzed 18 peer-reviewed articles to identify key concepts and available support for Indigenous women’s leadership.

American Indian College Fund Appoints Five New Trustees to Board for Three-Year Terms

American Indian College Fund Appoints Five New Trustees to Board for Three-Year Terms

The American Indian College Fund welcomes five members to its governing board of trustees for three-year terms. The three tribal college presidents named to the board include Dr. Sean Chandler of Aaniiih Nakoda College, Eva Flying of Chief Dull Knife College, and Dr. Dawn Tobacco-Two Crow-Frank of Oglala Lakota College. The two private sector trustees include Nicole Bellefuille, J.D., a vice president in the financial services industry, and Nalneesh Gaur, a partner with PwC in their Cybersecurity practice.

American Indian College Fund Announces the 2024-25 Tribal College Students of the Year and Coca Cola Scholars

American Indian College Fund Announces the 2024-25 Tribal College Students of the Year and Coca Cola Scholars

The American Indian College Fund honored 34 Tribal College and University Students of the Year and 35 Coca-Cola First Generation Scholars at a ceremony in Rapid City, South Dakota, recognizing their academic achievements and community involvement. Additionally, Dr. Carla Sineway, President of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, was named the 2024-25 Tribal College and University President Honoree of the Year, with support from the Adolph Coors Foundation and The Coca-Cola Foundation.

United Tribes Technical College Publishes Video Series on Teacher Education Program

United Tribes Technical College Publishes Video Series on Teacher Education Program

The United Tribes Technical College (UTTC) Teacher Education Program released a series of videos to support program recruitment covering a wide range of topics and perspectives from current and past students, tribal elders, and education administrators. The program is funded by the American Indian College Fund (College Fund), through the Wounspekiya Unspewicakiyapi Native Teacher Education pilot program.

American Indian College Fund Hosts Webinar on Native Higher Education Access and Success Strategies with Brookings Institute and Institute for Higher Education Policy

American Indian College Fund Hosts Webinar on Native Higher Education Access and Success Strategies with Brookings Institute and Institute for Higher Education Policy

The American Indian College Fund (College Fund), the Brookings Institute (Brookings), and the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) are releasing a report focused on ways to ensure Indigenous students’ continued access to higher education and success.