First Native American President Named at Fort Lewis College

As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Heather Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.

From Fort Lewis College

Friday, April 11, 2025

The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees has unanimously appointed Heather J. Shotton, Ph.D., marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first Native American to hold the position. 

Shotton, a nationally recognized scholar and higher education leader, has over 20 years of experience in academic leadership, student success, and institutional transformation. For the past three years, she’s been part of the executive leadership team at FLC.

"Dr. Shotton brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of Fort Lewis College, our community, and our strategic priorities," said Board Chair Janet Lopez. 

"She has been a trusted adviser across campus and helped guide institutional strategy during pivotal moments. We are confident in her leadership and vision for the future."

"I’m profoundly honored to lead Fort Lewis College," Shotton said. "I’m inspired by the opportunity to work alongside our dedicated faculty and staff, and I’m deeply committed to building a future grounded in belonging, access, and academic excellence for every student we serve.

“This is such a powerful moment for me personally, but  also  for my family, my community, for our students, and our community here at Fort Lewis College.

“I have been so overwhelmed with the outpouring of support across campus, from community members, and the excitement of our students. I recognize that this is a historic moment for Fort Lewis College and am just so excited about what the future holds.”

As Vice President of Diversity Affairs at FLC, Shotton has played a pivotal role in advancing a culture of belonging and enhancing student access and success. In addition to her work in diversity affairs, she serves as Acting Dean of Student Engagement, overseeing more than 70 staff members supporting student well-being and success.

Shotton, an enrolled citizen of the Wichita & Affiliated Tribes and a descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne Tribes, boasts a career that has included leadership roles at small liberal arts colleges and large public research universities. Before joining FLC, she served as Chair of the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

Shotton’s nationally recognized scholarship has been instrumental in advancing culturally responsive practices and policies for Indigenous students. As Board President of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA), she led national advocacy efforts to strengthen educational outcomes for Indigenous communities. Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the Mildred García Senior Scholar Award from the Association for the Study of Higher Education and Educator of the Year from the NIEA.

From Small Town to FLC

Shotton grew up in Davis, Oklahoma, a town of fewer than 3,000 people, and is a self-described middle child with "first-born energy." 

A first-generation college graduate, Shotton said her mother instilled in her the value of education, and her father fostered a passion for knowledge and creativity. While going to college was always an expectation for her, Shotton said she faced challenges navigating the complexities of higher education as a first-generation student.

"Going to college was always expected, but I often lacked the tools to navigate the system," Shotton said. "I want to make sure that our first-gen students—who make up 42% of our student population—have a different experience. My goal is to ensure they have the resources they need to succeed and feel confident and supported in their academic journey."

Shotton earned three degrees from the University of Oklahoma, including a bachelor’s in Native American Studies, a master’s in Human Relations, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.

That’s also where she met her husband, John—who serves as Chairman of the Otoe-Missouria Tribe—and where she developed her passion for higher education. They have two daughters: Sloan, an FLC alumna ('24), and Sophie, a first-year student at the University of Oklahoma. The family also includes three Boston terriers: Lucy, Odie, and Lil’ Kim.

It was during a campus visit with Sloan that the Shotton family first felt a strong connection to Fort Lewis College. 

“I was already familiar with the college's work, particularly through my national involvement in Native education,” Shotton said. "But when we stepped onto campus, we all immediately felt a connection to the community, the area, and the college’s values. That was when I knew I wanted to be a part of this place.”

Student-centered leadership

Shotton’s work at FLC has included advancing the reconciliation work FLC faculty and staff initiated, acknowledging the institution’s history as a federal Indian boarding school. 

Known for her relational leadership style, Shotton is a visible and engaged presence on campus, from Hozhoni Days Pow Wow to Skyhawks athletic events.

Fort Lewis College students, faculty, and staff have been enthusiastic about the announcement of her appointment.

“I feel energized knowing that Dr. Shotton is going to be our leader,” said Rebecca Clausen, Ph.D., professor of Sociology & Human Services. “She’s the right person for this moment—a leader who understands who we are and where we want to go.”

Carolina Alonso, Ph.D., associate professor of Borders & Languages, shared similar sentiments: "When I shared the news with my class, the students cheered. Shotton is visible, respected, and deeply involved. Representation matters, and her presidency sends a powerful message."

Amiee Shanks, an FLC senior and former softball teammate of Sloan Shotton, said, “Dr. Shotton has always been involved—not just in athletics, but in our academics and student life. She really values our opinions and shows up for students. Her presidency is groundbreaking, and I know she’ll keep making this an amazing place.”

Michelle Bonanno, director of the Academic Hub, emphasized Shotton’s inclusive approach: “As one of the preeminent scholars on Native student success, she’s the right leader for our academic mission and our future. She’s built initiatives that support first-generation students, LGBTQ+ students, and students from rural backgrounds. Her approach is always grounded in relationships and centered on student success.”

Selena Gonzales, who is Diné and served as the 2024-2025 Hozhoni Ambassador 1^st Attendant, said when the former president left, she hoped Shotton would become the next president.

“It is not a shock that other people also saw that in her,” Gonzalez said. “She is such an inspiration and blessing to my life personally, and I will forever be grateful for knowing her.”

Looking to the Future

Shotton will officially assume the presidency on July 1, 2025, and will implement the 2025-30 Strategic Plan, which is focused on five interwoven strategic directions. 

“I think the biggest strength of our strategic plan is that it reflects the collective vision of the campus community, what our community has said is important to us, and that we are ensuring our approach aligns with our mission of putting students at the center,” Shotton said. “I often describe this as work that can only happen in this special place—because of our location, the land, and the people. The strategic plan embraces that.”