Bureau of Indian Education Selects Dr. Alex Red Corn as President of Haskell Indian Nations University

Lawrence, Kansas — The Bureau of Indian Education announces the appointment of Dr. Alex Red Corn, Ed.D., as president of Haskell Indian Nations University, following his successful service as interim president through an Intergovernmental Personnel Agreement with the University of Kansas. His selection 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 transitioning to 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 Postsecondary 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.

About Bureau of Indian Education

The Bureau of Indian Education supports educational opportunities for more than 400,000 American Indian and Alaska Native students nationwide through early childhood, K–12, and postsecondary programs. BIE directly operates 55 schools, funds 128 Tribally controlled schools across 23 states, and supports native students in public schools through the Johnson-O’Malley program. The Bureau also provides early childhood and special education services. It advances postsecondary opportunities by operating Haskell Indian Nations University and Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, while funding 33 Tribal Colleges and Universities that serve more than 22,000 students. For more information, visit bie.edu.

About Haskell Indian Nations University

Haskell’s student body represents more than 100 federally recognized tribes from across the United States. Haskell awards associate and bachelor's degrees in a range of subjects, including social work, community health, communications, elementary teacher education, American Indian studies, business administration, and environmental science. Haskell also integrates American Indian and Alaska Native culture into its curricula.

Haskell’s vision and mission are reflected in all it does as it works to serve students in this unique and diverse inter-tribal setting, with a commitment to advancing sovereignty and self-determination. Haskell is focused on building leadership capacity within its students by serving as the leading institution of academic excellence, cultural and intellectual prominence, and holistic education that addresses the needs of Indigenous communities. For more information, visit haskell.edu.