Haskell Indian Nations University Announces Dr. Alex Red Corn as Temporary President while Full-time Search Continues

Lawrence, Kansas — The Bureau of Indian Education announces the appointment of Alex Red Corn, Ed.D., as the temporary president of Haskell Indian Nations University through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignment. This innovative partnership reflects BIE’s commitment to strong, community-rooted leadership and forward-thinking solutions that support Haskell’s mission and future. 

“Dr. Red Corn’s deep understanding of education and his longstanding commitment to Native students make him an ideal leader for Haskell during this time,” said BIE Director Tony Dearman. “This partnership with the University of Kansas is a model for how we can strengthen institutions through collaboration and shared purpose, allowing us to bring in exceptional talent from within the community to lead Haskell during a pivotal time.” 

Dr. Red Corn, a citizen of the Osage Nation, brings a wealth of experience in Indigenous education, leadership, and advocacy. He currently serves as director and associate professor of Indigenous Studies at the University of Kansas, as well as associate vice chancellor for sovereign partnerships and Indigenous initiatives. His career has been dedicated to advancing educational opportunities for Native students and building capacity within tribal communities. 

“I’m motivated by this exciting opportunity to be in community with Haskell students, faculty and staff as we collectively continue the good work of enhancing student success and advancing tribal sovereignty in service to Indian Country,” Dr. Red Corn said. 

The Intergovernmental Personnel Act program enables temporary assignments, typically lasting up to two years, between federal agencies and eligible organizations, such as universities, to foster collaboration and share expertise. Dr. Red Corn’s deep ties to the region and prior work with Haskell make him uniquely qualified to lead the university during this transitional phase. 

During this period, Haskell Indian Nations University will continue its efforts to identify a permanent president to lead Haskell into the future, while maintaining continuity in leadership and operations. 

Dr. Red Corn’s academic and professional accomplishments include founding the Indigenous Educational Leadership Graduate Certificate program at Kansas State University, which he then onboarded at the University of Kansas in 2025. He has also led partnership programs with the Osage Nation, increasing the number of graduates with master’s degrees in education. He has served as executive director of the Kansas Association for Native American Education and as chair of the Kansas Advisory Council for Indigenous Education. His scholarship focuses on empowering tribes to take a leading role in their citizens’ education. 

He holds a Doctor of Education in educational leadership and a graduate certificate in qualitative research methods from Kansas State University, along with master’s and bachelor’s degrees in social studies education from the University of Kansas. His numerous honors include the 2023 Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award from the National Education Association and recognition as an Emerging Scholar by Diverse: Issues in Higher Education in 2022. 

This appointment marks a significant step forward for Haskell Indian Nations University, reinforcing 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 has an average enrollment of more than 1,000 students each semester, with students representing 140 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 they do as they work 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.

About the University of Kansas

The University of Kansas is one of the nation’s leading public universities and takes pride in its mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities and make discoveries that change the world. With more than 31,000 students across five campuses, KU boasts 48 nationally ranked academic programs – including 10 ranked in the top 10 – and is home to major centers overseeing research in biomedical research, security and energy. KU also has nationally designated cancer and Alzheimer’s centers, as well as the state’s only schools of medicine and pharmacy, which are vital to training healthcare providers. In fulfilling its mission of education, service and research, KU drives $7.8 billion in economic activity in Kansas, including KU operations, construction and research, as well as the expenditures of KU startup companies, visitors, students and alumni. This activity supports nearly 88,000 jobs — or 1 in every 23 jobs in Kansas.