Native American Advisory Council

The NAAC is one of six Community Diversity Advisory Councils developed to advise the University’s senior leadership on strategic issues and serve as ambassadors for the communities they represent. The NAAC was established in 2003 and convened under the leadership of Native American Student Affairs and the American Indian Studies Program.

About

The Native American Advisory Council (NAAC) provides workforce development, student recruitment and retention, and research that are key to advancing mutually beneficial initiatives between sovereign Native Nations and the University of Arizona. Advisory Council members also serve as ambassadors supporting and advancing the UA’s strategic priorities.

We are committed to serving as a communications conduit between Southern Arizona’s Native American communities and the UA. We also value and welcome your input. Please email your questions, suggestions, or comments. The membership of NAAC is listed here.

Contact us: Inclusion@arizona.edu

Connie Greenberg, Council Co-Chair
Retired Educator (Secondary Education)

Jacob Bernal, Council Co-Chair 
Executive Director, Tucson Indian Center

NEW MEMBERS:
 

LuAnn Leonard
Regent Emeritus,
Arizona Board of Regents
Retired Executive Director,
Hopi Education Endowment Fund

Stephen Schoonmaker
President
Tohono O’odham Community College

Dr. Linda Sue Warner
President
San Carlos Apache College

Dr. Charlinda Haudley
Stakeholder Outreach Coordinator
Central Arizona Project

Patrick Andrews
Director of Education
Tohono O’odham Nation

8 RETURNING MEMBERS:

Jacob Bernal
Council Co-Chair
Executive Director
Tucson Indian Center

Connie Greenberg
Council Co-chair
Retired K-12 Educator

Serina Preciado
Executive Director of Education
Pascua Yaqui Tribe

Austin Nunez
Chairman, San Xavier District
Tohono O’odham Nation

Jon Rios
President, American Indian Alumni Club
UA Alumni Association

Melodie Lopez
President, Indigenous Strategies LLC

Marilyn Sando
Retired Community College Educator

Roxanne Begay-James
Native American Student Services
Tucson Unified School District
 

 

 

 

Initiatives

  • Establish sustainable mentorship and relationships for Native American students on and off campus through NASA
  • Increase cultural awareness across campus to support and sustain authentic and innovative partnerships and student services
  • Strengthen partnerships between tribal governments, enterprises, and communities

Resources