California Tribal College Names Dr. Billie Jo Kipp College President

California Tribal College Names Dr. Billie Jo Kipp College President

Will Lead Development of Campus, Curricula, and Programs

Dr. Billie Jo Kipp has been named California Tribal College’s new president. (photo courtesy of California Tribal College)

(Brooks, CA) September 18, 2017 – The Board of Regents has appointed Dr. Billie Jo Kipp to take over as President of the California Tribal College (CTC). Dr. Kipp was selected following a year-long nationwide search. In her new role, Dr. Kipp will lead the College in establishing a campus, expanding its programs, developing curricula, and earning accreditation.

“The Board of Regents is looking forward to having Dr. Kipp bring her knowledge and experience to the California Tribal College,” said Leland Kinter, Chairman of the Board of Regents. “Dr. Kipp’s academic background and administrative skills, combined with her longstanding commitment to addressing the chronic underrepresentation of Native Americans in higher education, make her uniquely qualified to take over the presidency and continue our journey towards a fully operational California Tribal College.”

An enrolled member of the Blackfeet Nation, Dr. Kipp has been the President of Blackfeet Community College in Browning, Montana for the past six years. She holds a PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Montana. She spent 10 years as a research assistant professor at the University of New Mexico (UNM) in Albuquerque, and maintained a clinical psychology practice. She was also co-director of the Center for Native American Health at UNM. (Dr. Kipp’s bio and photo are attached below.)

“Increasing and sustaining the numbers of Native Americans accessing and completing higher education must be our mission, as it is critical for promoting long-term economic prosperity, professional advancement, and leadership development in tribal communities,” said Dr. Kipp. “Through the development and operation of the California Tribal College, we can offer Native students the challenging curriculum they need to succeed, incorporating tribal languages, cultures, and traditions. I am honored and humbled to be a part of this important project.”

Development of the CTC began in 2009, and accelerated in 2012 following the completion of thorough feasibility studies that confirmed the demand among California’s Native American tribes and helped define the types of programs needed. California has the largest Native population of any state, but is not one of 14 states with a tribal college. More than 65 California tribes and Native organizations are now in support of the project.

“California tribes and supportive organizations have been working together since 2009 to make the College a reality,” added Chairman Kinter. “Having served as CTC President for several years, I am proud of the progress made to date through our Certificate Programs. Now, the time is right to move ahead, developing curricula in the areas of study tribal leaders identified as most important to their citizens and governments, and building a college and campus that speak to Native American students.”

Incorporated as 501(c)(3), and overseen by a Board of Regents compromised of academic, tribal, and business leaders, the CTC began offering educational programs in 2015, and has completed four Certificate Programs in Tribal Leadership and Governance. A fifth is scheduled for November.

The CTC plans to develop a campus in the Sacramento region, but will also offer online learning programs to ensure access for students in remote areas. The College will first offer two-year degrees as it earns accreditation, then add four-year courses of study.

“Developing the California Tribal College is an incredible undertaking,” added Dr. Kipp. “So much has already been achieved, and we will launch the CTC as a valuable resource for California’s Native population. The CTC can provide much needed access to higher education for Native students and communities in California. The CTC will actively honor languages and cultures as part of higher education. I know we will have the support we need.”