Haskell Indian Nations University has welcomed a new president. Dr. Francis Arpan, a Yankton Sioux Tribe citizen, was recently appointed by the U.S. Department of the Interior – Indian Affairs.
Arpan, who is the eighth president of Haskell, was inaugurated on campus in fall.
Located in Lawrence, Kansas, Haskell was established in 1884 as a national center for Indian education, research, and cultural preservation.
Dr. Arpan joined the faculty at Haskell in May 2022 as the vice president of academics.
Previously, he served as the dean of academics at Sisseton Wahpeton College.
He has also gained academic experience at the University of South Dakota, South Dakota State University, Aims Community College, and Southern New Hampshire University.
Dr. Arpan envisions expanding opportunities for Tribal students nationwide and creating a student-centered environment to bring about exciting and transformative learning experiences.
He aims to focus his vision for Haskell on creating a student-centered environment where all students can develop professionally and personally.
Dr. Arpan said, “My career in higher education is rooted in a foundation of increasing resources and opportunities for all. What excites me the most about the position of president at Haskell Indian Nations University is the opportunity to continue working with Native students as they strive to attain their greatest capabilities and potential.”
He added, “Higher education and educational attainment directly affect individuals’ life opportunities. As an academic and now Haskell president, I am excited to broaden our university’s role in actively working with Indigenous communities.”
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 offers associate and bachelor’s degrees in various subjects, including social work, community health, communications, elementary teacher education, American Indian studies, business administration, and environmental science.
Additionally, Haskell integrates American Indian and Alaska Native cultures into its curricula.
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