M E M O R A N D U M
TO: Deans, Directors and Department Heads
FROM: Robert N. Shelton, President
SUBJECT: Appointment of Karen Francis-Begay as Special Adviser to the President for American Indian Affairs
DATE: January 23, 2007
It gives me great pleasure to announce the appointment of Ms. Karen Francis-Begay (Navajo) as Special Adviser to the President for American Indian Affairs. Ms. Francis-Begay has graciously accepted this appointment in addition to her duties as Director, Native American Student Affairs. This important position was first developed during former President Peter Likins' administration in an effort to enhance university and tribal relations, improve our lines of communication with Arizona's Indian Nations, and to continue to strengthen the academic success of American Indian students in higher education. Under this position, Ms. Francis-Begay will:
- Serve as my liaison to Arizona Indian Country and act as first point of contact for all American Indian affairs for the President's Office.
- Chair the President's American Indian Advisory Council
- Chair the UA American Indian Scholarship Committee
- Represent the UA as Co-Chair of the Arizona Tri-Universities for
Indian Education
Ms. Francis-Begay received her bachelor's degree in Public Administration and a master's degree in American Indian Studies from The University of Arizona. She brings a wealth of experience to this position, having served as the Associate Director for the American Indian Language Development Institute of the UA College of Education, prior to taking the leadership position with Native American Student Affairs.