Venida Chenault, the new president of Haskell Indian Nations University. Photo from Bureau of Indian Affairs

Venida Chenault, a member of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation, is the new president of Haskell Indian Nations University in Kansas.

Chenault has served as Haskell's vice president of academic affairs since December 2004. She has worked at the university for nearly 21 years in a variety of positions.

“I am very pleased at the selection of Dr. Venida Chenault for Haskell president," Assistant Secretary Kevin Washburn, the head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, said in a press release. This institution is one of the most important Indian higher education institutions in the country. Our search for new leadership at Haskell has led to a strong and able education professional, a person who has long been committed to this institution, and who will work towards its constant betterment.”

Chenault's first day as president was Sunday. She succeeds Chris Redman, a member of the Chickasaw Nation who resigned in May 2013.

Get the Story:
Venida Chenault named Haskell president (The Lawrence Journal-World 1/10)

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