Amid federal funding challenges for tribal colleges and universities, the Institute of American Indian Arts also has had to adapt in recent months to new institutional leadership with the retirement of one president and the ushering in of another.  

In the latest episode of “Conversations Different,” host Inez Russell Gomez talks with Dr. Shelly C. Lowe about her transition into the presidency at IAIA. Lowe was appointed by the IAIA Board of Trustees following the retirement of long-time President Dr. Robert Martin in July. She assumed the role Aug.1.  

The two discuss Lowe’s first month learning the ropes, her pathway to higher education which stemmed from being a top student in Arizona, and the hard work that IAIA is doing to educate, showcase and enhance Native history and expression beyond Santa Fe.   

Lowe’s achievements include teaching and administrative positions at the University of Arizona, Yale University and Harvard University, with her most recent position being chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities.