In this context, Augsburg defines “American Indian” as an enrolled member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe, Alaskan Native Village, or Canadian First Nation; a direct descendant of a parent or grandparent who is an enrolled member of the above; or a direct descendant of a tribally verified member of the above.

Unlike programs in many public institutions, Augsburg’s program does not limit eligibility to American Indian students who live in the state. In addition, the Augsburg American Indian Recognition Full Tuition Program provides access for both full-time undergraduate students as well as adult learners in any of the university’s degree completion bachelor’s programs. This new program will begin in the Fall 2022 semester for both new and continuing eligible students.

“One of our commitments at Augsburg is to bring an equity lens to affordability,” said Augsburg President Paul Pribbenow. “This program is one step toward recognizing the profound contributions American Indian students and their communities make to the university and within higher education more broadly.”

Regent Eric Jolly described the program as “groundbreaking among private universities nationwide.” He added, “At the same time, it is absolutely in line with Augsburg’s long-standing commitments to intentional diversity and inclusive excellence. I hope this is just the first of many institutions designing creative and equitable paths to education for native and First Nations people.”

Students who apply for the program do not need to be enrolled as an American Indian tribal member, establish residence on trust land, or be Minnesota residents.

Through this program, Augsburg seeks to support and promote American Indians within the Augsburg community.

“My mom and dad told me my whole life, you’re going to college. It was a ‘where’ and not an ‘if.’ What I needed from a school—the main thing that was going to make or break it—was if I could afford it,” said Reuben Kitto Stately ’22, a student from both the Red Lake Nation and Santee Sioux Nation. “But the culture of the campus, the way the Native students support each other, was also a big selling point. This part of the south side of Minneapolis is the most concentrated urban Native population in the whole country.”

“The systemic injustices that have limited access to higher education for many American Indian students need structural solutions,” said Vice President for Equity and Inclusion Joanne Reeck. “This program is one step that we as an institution can take.”

Learn more about the American Indian Recognition Full Tuition Program.

Top image: Reuben Kitto Stately ’22 is an Augsburg student from both the Red Lake Nation and Santee Sioux Nation. (Photo by Courtney Perry)

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, Augsburg’s provost and senior vice president of academic and student affairs, will retire at the end of 2021–22 academic year. Since Kaivola joined Augsburg in 2013, her leadership of the faculty has consistently reflected unwavering commitments to teaching and learning. In late 2019, Kaivola stepped into an expanded role overseeing both academic affairs and student affairs, seeking new alignments and centering both on a holistic view of student learning and development. A committee chaired by Tim Pippert, Joel Torstenson endowed professor of sociology, is in the midst of a national search to identify her successor.

At its October meeting, the Augsburg University Board of Regents approved faculty emeritus status for Milo Schield, professor of business administration; regent emerita status for Ann Ashton-Piper, who retired from the board after 12 years of service; and staff emeriti status for long-serving employees Nancy Guilbeault, James Trelstad-Porter, and Mary Laurel True.

At its February meeting, the board approved faculty emerita status for Laura Boisen, professor of social work; and staff emeriti status for Dianne Detloff, Ann Garvey, and Mark Lester.

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“In an era when five- or six-year presidencies are common in higher education, President Pribbenow’s long-term leadership of the university has enabled Augsburg to achieve remarkable things,” said Matt Entenza, chair of Augsburg’s Board of Regents. “The university has become one of the most diverse private institutions in the Midwest during his tenure and has welcomed record-breaking first-year classes in the past two years. The university is fortunate to continue to have Paul’s transformational leadership through 2027.”

Pribbenow is recognized as a leading figure among the nation’s higher education private institutions and is an engaging teacher on ethics, philanthropy, and American public life.

Learn more about Pribbenow’s work and presidency at .

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