American Indian Heritage Committee
Membership
Representatives among faculty, staff, and student organizations including two students appointed by the Northeastern Student Government Association. The Director of the Center for Tribal Studies will chair the committee. The Dean of Liberal Arts serves as a non-voting, ex officio member.
Function
The Indian Heritage Committee plans and coordinates the Annual Symposium of the American Indian, and seeks funding to help defray symposium expenses. The committee also assists with the American Indian Graduation Convocation, participates in American Indian Heritage Month activities and other heritage related events. The committee reports to Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Meetings
Usually meets two or three times per month when selecting events and speakers for the symposium. Minutes are sent to the Dean of Liberal Arts and Provost/Vice President for Academic Affairs.
Committee Members: 2025-2026 Term
- Dr. James Ferrell, Chair, Assistant Vice President for Academic Affairs
- Elizabeth Bird, Director, Center for Tribal Studies
- Dr. Allen Shamow, Faculty Member (COLA)
- Dr. Toni Hail, Faculty Member (COLA)
- Dr. Nnamdi Ekesi, Faculty Member (CSHP)
- Dr. Leshay McNack, Faculty Member (CBT)
- Dr. Justin McBride, Faculty Member (COLA)
- Dr. Tiffany Hardbarger, Faculty Member (COLA)
- Dr. Jeromy Miller, Faculty Member (COLA)
- Dr. Steven Byers, Faculty Member (COE)
- Dr. Pamela Louderback, Faculty Member (LIBR)
- Dr. Ryan Fenska, Faculty Member (OPT)
- Dr. Wendi Middleton, Faculty Member (Muskogee)
- Dr. Candessa Tehee, Faculty Member (COLA)
- Ms. Aubrey Cagle, NSGA Representative
- Mr. Justin Gibson, AIBL President
- Mr. Edward "Nico" Jackson, AISES President
- Mr. Thomas Kirkendall, NASA Student Representative
- Mr. Jerret Carpenter, Coordinator, Ctr for Tribal Studies
- Ms. Carla Feathers, Project Manager, Ctr for Tribal Studies
- Mr. Gaelen Rose, Student Engagement Coordinator
- Ms. Randilyn Rose, Retention Specialist
- Ms. Karis Poafpybitty, Center for Tribal Studies
- Ms. Tavia Armstrong, Student Services Coordinator
- Ms. Jennifer Zehnder, Staff Member
- Dr. Dan Mabery, Staff Member
- Dr. Audell Shelburne, ex officio, Dean, College of Liberal Arts
