Haskell Indian Nations University Inaugurates Dr. Alex Red Corn as President

LAWRENCE, Kan. — Haskell Indian Nations University formally inaugurated Dr. Alex Red Corn, Ed.D., as president on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2026, marking a new chapter of leadership, stability, and vision for one of the nation's premier Indigenous-serving educational institutions.

Dr. Red Corn’s inauguration follows his successful service as interim president through an Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement with the University of Kansas. His selection as Haskell’s president reflects BIE’s commitment to community-rooted leadership and to advancing Haskell’s mission and future.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve Indian Country at this historic university that has meant so much to so many tribal communities,” said Dr. Red Corn. “Working closely with Haskell’s faculty, staff, and students has been extremely rewarding. I’ve witnessed first-hand the collaborative spirit across campus that will continue to guide our shared work as we serve our students and Indian Country.”

As interim president, Dr. Red Corn helped shape Haskell’s new strategic direction and establish systems that support ongoing school improvement. His leadership aligns with the university’s commitment to sovereignty, cultural integrity, and student-centered decision-making. The University of Kansas partnership enabled BIE to bring in high-caliber leadership, now in permanent service.

“Haskell’s future depends on strong leadership, and Dr. Red Corn brings the experience and community trust needed to guide the university forward,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland. “Steady leadership at Haskell will help advance the Trump Administration’s priority of equipping students with marketable skills, expanding workforce pathways, and strengthening tribal sovereignty through education that builds capacity across Native communities.”

A citizen of the Osage Nation, Dr. Red Corn is a nationally recognized leader in Indigenous education and academia, with expertise in capacity building and cross-institutional collaborations. His career includes roles as director and associate professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Kansas, associate vice chancellor for Sovereign Partnerships and Indigenous Initiatives, and founder of the Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate program at Kansas State University, which is now at the University of Kansas. He has also led programs with the Osage Nation to increase graduate-level educational attainment and served as executive director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education and chair of the Kansas Advisory Council for Indigenous Education. 

As president, Dr. Red Corn will oversee Haskell’s efforts to enhance student success, strengthen sovereignty, and maintain stable institutional leadership. His vision aligns with broader efforts to empower tribal nations through education, capacity-building, and self-determination.

“Haskell is shaped by generations of Native students, families, and communities who have carried knowledge forward and imagined what comes next,” said Stephanie Conduff, Associate Deputy Director for Post-Secondary Education. “President Red Corn understands that responsibility, and he will help Haskell move forward with purpose as he leads the university in supporting the people who make it unique and preparing the way for future generations.”

This appointment marks a significant step forward for Haskell Indian Nations University, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in Indigenous higher education and community-driven leadership.

View more photos from the inauguration ceremony.