Sen. Moran, Rep. Mann Request Update from Bureau of Indian Affairs on Search for Permanent President for Haskell University

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) - a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs - and U.S. Representative Tracey Mann (R-KS-01) this week called on the Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, William "Billy" Kirkland, to provide an update on the status of the nationwide search for a permanent President of Haskell Indian Nations University, as well as an anticipated timeline and details on next steps in the selection process.

"Haskell has experienced significant leadership turnover in recent years," wrote Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann. "That level of transition underscores the importance of establishing steady, permanent leadership to support institutional stability, which Haskell needs deeply."

"As a tuition-free higher education establishment, the success of the University remains important to the many Tribal Nations and families who rely on Haskell as a pathway to opportunity," continued Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann. "Its intertribal mission and unique governing structure require strong, consistent leadership, through solicitation of input from the native and higher education communities in Kansas."

Last July, Sen. Moran and Rep. Mann introduced landmark legislation to reform Haskell University, incorporating months of feedback from Native American, Lawrence and higher education communities to make certain the legislation would effectively address systemic issues the university has faced for years.

The full letter can be found here or below.

Dear Assistant Secretary Kirkland:

We write to request an update on the status of the search for a permanent President of Haskell Indian Nations University (HINU), including anticipated timelines and next steps in the selection process.

Haskell Indian Nations University holds a deeply significant place both in Kansas and across Indian Country. Located in Lawrence, Kansas, Haskell plays a unique and historic role as the only four-year, federally operated postsecondary institution under the Bureau of Indian Education. Haskell has educated generations of Native students from tribes across the United States and continues to provide opportunities for Indian Americans to pursue higher education while strengthening tribal communities.

As you know, Dr. Frank Arpan, who was appointed president in 2023, resigned in mid-2025 after approximately two years in the role. Since that time, the university has been led by interim leadership. More broadly, Haskell has experienced significant leadership turnover in recent years. Prior to your tenure as Assistant Secretary, the University saw five presidents in just over six years. That level of transition underscores the importance of establishing steady, permanent leadership to support institutional stability, which Haskell needs deeply.

As a tuition-free higher education establishment, the success of the University remains important to the many Tribal Nations and families who rely on Haskell as a pathway to opportunity. Its intertribal mission and unique governing structure require strong, consistent leadership, through solicitation of input from the native and higher education communities in Kansas.

To that end, we would appreciate updates on the following:

• The current status of the national search for a permanent president and the anticipated timeline for completion.
• The composition of the search committee, including whether Regents, Tribal leaders, faculty, students, and alumni are represented.
• Any challenges the Bureau has encountered in recruiting candidates with the experience necessary to lead an intertribal institution of Haskell's scope and responsibility.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your response and to continued collaboration to ensure Haskell is positioned for long-term success.

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