American Indian College Fund Launches National Campaign in Recognition of Tribal College Faculty
Denver, Colo., April 1, 2026 — The American Indian College Fund (College Fund) has launched “Because of You,” a national campaign to recognize and honor the more than 1,600 tribal college and university (TCU) faculty. “Because of You” celebrates faculty for the multiple roles they play as educators, advisors, leaders, researchers, and more on campuses serving Native communities. The campaign also hopes to inspire students, alumni, and tribal members to consider a career as a faculty member at a tribal college, teaching the next generation of Native American leaders.
Developed in partnership with Vladimir Jones and co-sponsored by the American Indian College Fund and tribal colleges, the campaign includes videos, radio spots, billboards, posters, and social media posts. The campaign thanks TCU faculty for all of the ways they see and uplift students, helping them to reach their potential without stripping away their culture or connection to their tribal communities.
The campaign runs from January to September 30. Additional information can be found at https://collegefund.org/becauseofyou/.
Allied Health faculty member and former Vice President of Academic Affairs at Turtle Mountain College, Tyler Parisien, said, “Faculty are the heartbeat of a college. Guiding, challenging, and believing in students long before they see their own potential, and shaping not just what they learn, but who they become. To be part of a student’s path is both a privilege and a responsibility, and recognizing faculty honors the quiet, daily commitment that makes every student success story possible.”
Cheryl Crazy Bull, American Indian College Fund President and CEO, said, “Our tribal college faculty are key in creating welcoming and culturally based learning environments. Their caring, knowledge, and commitment to their communities help our students succeed academically and grow into their roles as the next generation of leaders of Indian Country. This campaign was created to show our appreciation and support of TCU faculty and all that they do and generate greater awareness of these important careers.”
About the American Indian College Fund — The American Indian College Fund has been the nation’s largest charity supporting Native higher education for 37 years. The College Fund believes “Education is the answer” and provided more than $23 million in scholarships and other student support for higher education in 2024-25. Since its founding in 1989 the College Fund has provided more than $391 million in scholarships, programs, community, and tribal college support. The College Fund also supports a variety of programs at the nation’s 35 accredited tribal colleges and universities, which are located on or near Indian reservations, ensuring students have the tools to graduate and succeed in their careers. The College Fund consistently receives top ratings from independent charity evaluators. It earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, a Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid (Guidestar), and the “Best in America Seal of Excellence” from the Independent Charities of America. The College Fund was also named as one of the nation’s top 100 charities to the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. For more information about the American Indian College Fund, please visit collegefund.org.
Photo – “Because of You” poster design thanking TCU faculty for teaching with heart.TCU Faculty Campaign Poster-18×24
Journalists—The American Indian College Fund does not use the acronym AICF. On second reference, please use the College Fund.
