AIHEC Welcomes New Tribal College & University Presidents

PALM SPRINGS, CA – The American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) welcomed new leadership at eight Tribal Colleges & Universities (TCUs) during their annual fall board meeting in Palm Springs, CA, this week.

New TCU leadership includes: Steven Smith, President of Cankdeska Cikana Community College; Neva Tall Bear, Interim President of Little Big Horn College; Lexie Tom, Interim President of Northwest Indian College; Linda Sue Warner, President of San Carlos Apache College; Erica Holmes, President of Sisseton Wahpeton College; Stephen Schoonmaker, President of Tohono O’odham Community College; Michael Munson, Interim President of Salish Kootenai College; and Colette Keith, Acting President of Sinte Gleska University.

“Being a TCU President is not only a great honor, but a vital, important position often in rural communities with little resources,” said Ahniwake Rose, AIHEC President and CEO. “Those willing to take on the challenges that are associated with these positions deserved our respect and support. I look forward to working with this new cohort and AIHEC will do everything we can to ensure we support and advocate for them and their respective institutions.”

The AIHEC board will meet again in February 2025 during the annual AIHEC Legislative Summit in Washington, D.C.