Van Alstine named as CMU's director of Native American Programs

Observer Staff

1/25/2005 12:00:00 AM

Matthew Van Alstine, an adjunct professor at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College, has been named director of Native American programs at Central Michigan University.

His appointment is effective July 1. He replaces Lisa Tiger, who resigned in January.

"Matt brings excellent skills to CMU in the areas of student mentoring and advising, which are important components of the position," stated Maureen Eke, associate vice president for diversity. "He is someone who will serve as a role model for Native American students and as a liaison on cultural issues. He will also assist in the recruitment and retention of Native American students. I am very pleased that Matt has agreed to fill this important position."

Van Alstine, who has taught at the Tribal college since August 2003, earned a master's degree in higher education-student affairs from Michigan State University in 2002 and a bachelor's degree in psychology from MSU in 1998. He is an enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

As a MSU graduate student, Van Alstine was a research assistant for a W.K. Kellogg Foundation project titled "The Native American Higher Education Initiative." The purpose of was to help Tribal community colleges develop, create and attain their community-based institutional missions.

The director plans, directs and manages CMU's Native American Programs unit; serves as an adviser to administrative officers, faculty and staff regarding educational program and policies for American Indians; and participates in the recruitment of Native American students.

A five-member search committee, chaired by Ulana Klymyshyn, director of the CMU Multicultural Education Center, conducted a national search for the position.