Wednesday, March 26, 2025 2668 View all Fort Lewis College news FLC names Vice President of Diversity Affairs, Heather Shotton, as the sole finalist in presidential search Shotton, who also serves as Acting Dean of Students at FLC, was selected from more than 75 applicants. Shotton, who also serves as Acting Dean of Students at FLC, was selected from more than 75 applicants. DURANGO, Colo. – The Fort Lewis College Board of Trustees has named Heather Shotton, PhD, FLC’s inaugural Vice President for Diversity Affairs and Acting Dean of Students, as the sole finalist for the college’s presidency following an extensive national search. If confirmed, Shotton, a citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a Kiowa and Cheyenne descendant, will become the first Indigenous person to lead the institution. Her selection comes at a critical time as FLC continues to reconcile with its past as a former federal Indian boarding school and advance its commitment to student success, equity, and community engagement. Shotton brings more than 20 years of experience in higher education, spanning both small liberal arts colleges and large research universities. A nationally recognized leader and higher education scholar, she has dedicated her career to fostering access and student achievement, particularly for Indigenous and first-generation students. “All of her personal and professional experiences created a presidential presence that stood out from an exceptional field of over 75 applicants,” said Janet Lopez, chair of the FLC Board of Trustees. “Her lived experiences align with those of many FLC students, and her leadership, vision, and dedication to reconciliation and student success make her an outstanding choice to guide the college into its next chapter.” Lopez said that Shotton’s “dedication to our mission—providing accessible, high-quality, student-centered education while honoring our deep commitment to our role as a Native American Serving, Non-Tribal Institution—shines through in all she does. “She has already played a key role in shaping FLC's Strategic Plan 2025-30, and her leadership will be invaluable as we continue this vital work. “As president, Dr. Shotton will also be instrumental in strengthening the partnerships we have in place with the Durango and Four Corners communities, further deepening our connections and shared commitment to education, economic development, and cultural engagement.” “I am honored that the Board of Trustees has named me as the finalist for President of Fort Lewis College, and I look forward to engaging with the campus and our community partners,” Shotton said. “Over the past three years at Fort Lewis College, I have developed a deep love for this institution and have been inspired by the amazing work of our faculty, staff, and students. I am excited about the bold vision outlined in our Strategic Plan and optimistic about Fort Lewis College’s future and the important role we will continue to play in our state, region, and nation.” Shotton was instrumental in shaping FLC’s recently developed Strategic Plan 2025-30, which focuses on five priorities: academic excellence, student readiness, reconciliation, community connections, and meeting students’ basic needs. If appointed, she will continue to drive these initiatives while strengthening FLC’s commitment to accessible, high-quality education. The search process began last summer when the Board of Trustees partnered with the executive search firm Buffkin/Baker to identify and recruit candidates. The Presidential Search Committee (PSC)—comprising faculty, staff, students, and community members—gathered input from campus stakeholders, the larger Four Corners Region and Tribal Nations to shape the presidential profile and guide the search. After receiving more than 75 applications, followed by months of evaluation and interviews, the Board selected Shotton as the finalist. “The work of reconciliation is ongoing, and it requires leadership that is both visionary and deeply rooted in community,” Lopez added. “Dr. Shotton’s extensive experience, passion for student success, and ability to bring people together make her an exceptional leader for FLC.” In the coming weeks, Dr. Shotton will meet with students, faculty, staff, and community members, offering opportunities for the FLC community to learn more about her vision for the college’s future. According to Colorado law, the Board of Trustees must wait at least two weeks after naming a finalist before finalizing an agreement. A final decision is expected at the Board’s next regular meeting on April 11, 2025.