Chris Redman named president of Haskell Indian Nations University

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Haskell Indian Nations University

WASHINGTON - Chris Redman (Chickasaw) was named the new president of Haskell Indian Nations University by the Bureau of Indian Education Director Keith Moore. The announcement was made this afternoon by Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk. Redman's appointment will be effective on July 3, 2011.

Haskell Indian Nations University is a 127-year old post secondary institution for American Indians and Alaska Natives from the nation's 565 federally recognized tribes.

Haskell has grown from its original 22 students in 1884 to an average enrollment today of over 1,000 students each semester from federally recognized tribes across the United States. It offers baccalaureate programs in elementary teacher education, American Indian studies, business administration and environmental science, and integrates American Indian/Alaska Native culture into all of its curricula. Students may transfer to another baccalaureate degree-granting institution or go directly into the workforce.

Redman, an enrolled member of the Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma, was an education specialist with the Bureau on Indian Education, who had served as Haskell's acting president in times of need. His appointment will become effective on July 3, 2011.

“I am pleased to announce Chris Redman's appointment as the new president of Haskell,” Echo Hawk said.

“Redman's proven leadership will make a great addition to our team as we work to improve the delivery of quality education to Haskell students and help prepare them to further their goals, dreams and the prosperity of Indian Country.”

“Chris Redman is a dedicated public servant whose commitment to Haskell and to American Indian higher education is unquestioned,” Moore said. “I am pleased that he has joined our management team, bringing his talent, dedication and leadership.”

Prior to his appointment, Redman served as acting president from September to December 2009 and from May 2010 until March 2011.

Redman began his federal career in 2005 with the predecessor to the BIE, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Indian Education Programs (OIEP) in Washington, D.C., where he worked in the Division of Budget and Planning administering grants to tribal colleges and universities.

“I want to express my appreciation to Assistant Secretary Echo Hawk and Bureau of Indian Director Moore for this tremendous opportunity and for their confidence in me,” Redman said. “I am looking forward to working with them and with the students, faculty and staff to address issues that are important for Haskell's long-term success.”

Redman holds a bachelor's degree in business administration from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa (1993), and a master's degree in human relations from the University of Oklahoma (1998). Redman lives with his wife and family in Ardmore, Oklahoma.

posted June 3, 2011 5:53 pm et