Haskell Indian Nations University Named New President
The Bureau of Indian Education has appointed Alex Red Corn as the permanent president of the Lawrence university.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in People
Live Poll
Does frequent leadership turnover at your local university make you trust the quality of education less?
The Bureau of Indian Education announced that Alex Red Corn has been named the permanent president of Haskell Indian Nations University in Lawrence. Red Corn previously served as the university's interim president starting in January 2026.
Why it matters
The appointment brings permanent leadership to an institution that has experienced significant administrative turnover over the last decade. This stability is intended to support the university's mission following a period of transition.
Haskell Indian Nations University has seen over 6 interim or permanent leaders within the past decade. This transition follows the resignation of former president Frank Arpan in May 2025.
The players
Alex Red Corn
He is the newly appointed permanent president of Haskell Indian Nations University and a citizen of the Osage Nation.
Bureau of Indian Education
This federal agency oversees the operation of Haskell Indian Nations University and managed the recent presidential appointment.
Frank Arpan
He served as the president of Haskell Indian Nations University until his resignation in May 2025.
The details
Alex Red Corn, a citizen of the Osage Nation, assumes the permanent role after serving as the interim leader since January 2026. He brings experience from previous roles at the University of Kansas and Kansas State University, where he also earned his doctorate in educational leadership.
Timeline
Frank Arpan resigned as university president in May 2025.
Alex Red Corn began serving as interim president in January 2026.
The Bureau of Indian Education announced the permanent appointment on September 28, 2026.
Market Landscape
This appointment signals an effort to stabilize the university's administration following a period marked by the high administrative turnover rate at Haskell Indian Nations University. The move marks a departure from the frequent leadership changes that have persisted for a decade.
Students and faculty at Haskell Indian Nations University may see more consistent policy implementation under stable permanent leadership. This shift aims to reduce the operational disruptions that often accompany frequent changes in executive management.
The takeaway
The appointment of a permanent president is a critical step for institutions facing a history of executive instability. Consistent leadership is often a prerequisite for successfully navigating academic accreditation and long-term institutional development.
Further reading
For more information on organizational leadership, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by LJWorld.
Live Poll
Does frequent leadership turnover at your local university make you trust the quality of education less?
