Heather Shotton becomes first Indigenous president of Fort Lewis College
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DURANGO, Colo. — Fort Lewis College announced Heather Shotton as its new president April 11, 2025. She is the first Indigenous person to lead the institution, which operated as an Indian boarding school from 1892 to 1909.
Fort Lewis College is a Native American-serving, nontribal institution and an emerging Hispanic-serving Institution. It offers a tuition waiver for enrolled citizens, or the children of enrolled citizens, of American Indian Tribal Nations or Alaska Native Villages recognized by the U.S. government.
The Hispanic/Latino population at the college is also growing. Fort Lewis College is close to becoming an “emerging Hispanic-serving institution,” a term the U.S. Department of Education uses for colleges whose undergraduate population is at least 25% Hispanic/Latino.
Shotton is a citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne. She describes herself as a “small-town Oklahoma girl.”
She began her career in student affairs before earning a doctorate in educational leadership and policy studies from the University of Oklahoma. Shotton spent 15 years as a faculty member at the University of Oklahoma and has 20 years of experience in higher education at both small liberal arts colleges and large research universities.
Her first visit to Fort Lewis College was during a campus tour with her daughter, Sloan, who later enrolled and played on the softball team. Shotton fell in love with the campus and the Durango community. In 2022, she became the college’s vice president for diversity affairs. She said her favorite spots on campus are the student union and the softball field.
The college began its search for a new president in spring 2024 after former president Tom Stritikus stepped down. The search drew 75 applicants from across the country. Shotton rose to the top.
“Being named the first Indigenous president of Fort Lewis College marks a historic moment for the institution, particularly given our history,” Shotton said. “Fort Lewis College has been engaging in critical work around reconciliation. I am excited and committed to continuing that work.”
Shotton said is ready to lead the college through its 2025-2030 strategic plan, which includes goals such as expanding student housing, creating a Center for Indigenous Wellness and recruiting and retaining faculty of color.
Shotton is also a first-generation college student.
“For many people, it reflects possibility,” she said of her new role. “To see themselves reflected in the leadership of the college is a full-circle moment.”
Type of story: News
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
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