Chancellor Philip DiStefano has announced CU Boulder is launching a national search for an associate vice chancellor of Native American affairs, a newly created position that will liaise between CU Boulder and tribal communities across Colorado, and collaboratively address all related issues.

“Since its founding in 1876, CU Boulder has been intertwined with the rich and complex tribal history of this region, which we recognize in our land acknowledgement,” said DiStefano. “The creation of this Native American affairs position is long overdue. It will serve as an important role between the university, tribal governments and communities, as well as a connection to significant tribal issues for students, faculty and staff.” 

Andrew Cowell, professor of linguistics and the faculty director of the Center for Native American and Indigenous Studies (CNAIS), is chairing the search committee to identify the ideal candidate for this role. The university’s goal is to have the position filled by mid-September.

“This is a concrete commitment from CU Boulder toward fulfilling the pledges made in the land acknowledgement, and leading flagship universities in the U.S. and Canada are increasingly recognizing the need for positions such as this,” said Cowell. 

Cowell said he believes the new associate vice chancellor can enhance outreach to Native American communities and help build and strengthen Native and Indigenous communities and studies on the Boulder campus. 

“The faculty, staff and students at CNAIS are excited about this new opportunity," he said.

The new associate vice chancellor for Native American affairs will be part of the Office of Government and Community Engagement (OGCE), whose employees report to the chancellor. Primary functions of the job include liaising with tribal governments and communities throughout Colorado and the wider region and interfacing with state and federal entities that have roles in tribal affairs and higher education. 

CU Boulder is also working to enroll a greater number of Native American and Indigenous students at all levels, an effort that will be bolstered by the creation of this new position. 

Visit the posting on CU Boulder Jobs to learn more about the associate vice chancellor for Native American affairs opportunity. CU Boulder employees interested in this position should apply via the internal job board.