Description
The Assistant Dean for Native American Affairs serves as the high-level emissary, cultural steward, and chief advocate for
the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH). This is a ceremonial and strategic leadership role designed to
strengthen the bond between ASDOH and Tribal Nations while actively cultivating the next generation of Native American
oral health professionals. Working in tandem with the National Center for American Indian Health Professions (NCAIHP),
the Assistant Dean serves as a visible champion for the recruitment, retention, and success of Indigenous students.
Duties & Responsibilities:
- Provide institutional leadership in Native American engagement and representation, serving as a key advisor to the Dean and senior leadership on matters related to Tribal sovereignty, cultural protocol, and Indigenous student success.
- Lead high-profile ceremonial and cultural functions, including delivery of Land Acknowledgements, invocations, and blessings at commencement, White Coat ceremonies, and other institutional events.
- Advocate for Native American students at the institutional level, ensuring policies, programs, and campus climate support cultural identity, belonging, and academic success.
- Mentor and support Native American dental students, providing guidance on academic progression, professional development, and maintaining connections to community and cultural values.
- Develop and oversee Indigenous pipeline and pathway initiatives, collaborating with internal and external partners to recruit and support Native students from K–12 through professional education.
- Cultivate and sustain relationships with Tribal Nations and health organizations, serving as a liaison to Tribal leaders, health directors, and community stakeholders to strengthen trust and collaboration.
- Represent the dental school in Tribal, regional, and national forums, including conferences, health boards, and Indigenous initiatives, to advance oral health equity and institutional partnerships.
- Collaborate with Student Affairs and Academic Affairs to ensure culturally responsive support systems, including wellness resources, retention strategies, and student success initiatives for Indigenous learners.
Requirements
Education & Experience:
- College plus postgraduate studies required.
- One to three years of related experience required, three to six years preferred.
- Deep-rooted experience working within Native American communities and a nuanced understanding of Tribal Sovereignty.
- Public speaking skills; must be comfortable leading prayer and delivering formal addresses in a large-scale academic setting.
- A proven commitment to educational excellence, mentoring students and building educational equity for Indigenous populations.
ATSU offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverages, among more. If eligible, employee-elected benefits would begin the first of the month following hire date. For more information, please visit: atsu.edu/employment/benefits.
A.T. Still University (ATSU) does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, age, disability, or veteran status in admission or access to, or treatment or employment in its programs and activities.
Skills Required
- College plus postgraduate studies required
- 1 to 3 years of related experience required, 3 to 6 years preferred
- Deep-rooted experience working within Native American communities
- Public speaking skills; must be comfortable leading prayer and delivering formal addresses
- Proven commitment to educational excellence and mentoring students
What We Do
A.T. Still University is an osteopathic medical school with health sciences schools and colleges, focusing on whole person healthcare and serving the underserved.
