Heather Shotton Slated to Become the First Indigenous President of Fort Lewis College in Colorado

Fort Lewis College has named Heather Shotton as the sole finalist for the college’s presidency. If confirmed by the board of trustees, she will become the first Indigenous person to lead the institution.

Located in Durango, Colorado, Fort Lewis College enrolls over 3,300 undergraduate and 100 graduate students. Women represent 53 percent of the undergraduate student body.

With two decades of higher education experience, Dr. Shotton currently serves as acting dean of students and the inaugural vice president of diversity affairs at Fort Lewis College. Prior to assuming her current role in 2022, she spent 14 years as a faculty member and administrator with the University of Oklahoma. While there, she taught Native American studies, as well as educational leadership and policy studies. She also served as director of Indigenous education initiatives and chair of the department of educational leadership and policy studies. Earlier in her career, she was the assistant director of multicultural student affairs at Oklahoma City University.

As a scholar, Dr. Shotton focuses on Indigenous knowledge systems, values, and community building. She has published extensively on Indigenous education, including pedagogical approaches, student support systems, and relationship building between tribal nations and higher education institutions.

“I am honored that the board of trustees has named me as the finalist for president of Fort Lewis College, and I look forward to engaging with the campus and our community partners,” said Dr. Shotton. “Over the past three years at Fort Lewis College, I have developed a deep love for this institution and have been inspired by the amazing work of our faculty, staff, and students. I am excited about the bold vision outlined in our strategic plan and optimistic about Fort Lewis College’s future and the important role we will continue to play in our state, region, and nation.”

Dr. Shotton earned her Ph.D. in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma.