Dr. Alex Red Corn named temporary president of Haskell Indian Nations University
Sarah Lasak | @sarlasak
The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) appointed Dr. Alex Red Corn the new temporary president of Haskell Indian Nations University last Monday, marking a key leadership transition as the federally operated tribal institution continues its search for a permanent president.
His appointment was made through an Intergovernmental Personnel Act assignment in partnership with the University of Kansas. This act allows federal institutions to temporarily bring in leaders from other organizations.
“This partnership with the University of Kansas is a model for how we can strengthen institutions through collaboration and shared purpose, allowing us to bring in exceptional talent from within the community to lead Haskell during a pivotal time,” BIE Director Tony Dearman said in a BIE press release.
Dr. Red Corn is an Osage Nation citizen and a respected educator in Indigenous studies at the University of Kansas where he serves as a director and associate professor of Indigenous studies and associate vice chancellor for sovereign partnerships and Indigenous initiatives.
He replaces Mackie Moore, who served as interim president after previous president, Frank Arpan, resigned in May 2025. Moore was previously the dean of Haskell’s College of Business and will return to that position when he is done serving this month.
Dr. Jessica Burghart, a professor at the College of Business, took over as the interim dean of the College of Business when Moore stepped up. Dr. Burghart says that Dr. Red Corn’s appointment will continue and potentially strengthen Haskell’s partnership with KU.
“I think it hopes that it still carries, you know, the relationship and partnership that we currently have, and probably maybe improve it,” said Dr. Burghart.
Dr. Burghart said not only is it Dr. Red Corn’s professional background that gives the Haskell community confidence moving forward, but also his open mindedness and willingness to adapt to Haskell and BIE processes.
Similarly, students point to Dr. Red Corn’s longtime career in Indigenous education as a reason for excitement during a time of uncertainty for the university. Haskell Student Government Association president Angel Ahtone Elizarraras said students value having leadership that understands Indigenous education.
“I think the people that know Alex Red Corn’s reputation are super excited for it. He worked with KU a lot in their Indigenous and American Indian Studies Program, and you know he’s been a professor, so he’s been teaching a lot,” Elizarraras said. “He’s from the Osage Nation. He’s very well rounded when it comes to interacting with Indigenous students.”
Dr. Red Corn is set to begin his role on Feb. 9 and is expected to serve for up to two years as the Haskell National Board of Regents and BIE continue to search for a permanent president.
Watch the segment here:
