NORMAN – Heather Shotton, University of Oklahoma College of Arts and Sciences Professor of Native American Studies, has been named Educator of the Year by the National Indian Education Association.
The Educator of the Year award recognizes significant work in one or more of the following areas: establishing and developing innovative education programs; working for passage of legislation to improve student success; advocating for educational equity for students; promoting training for educators of Native students; advocating for native language or culture based programs; and developing programs to improve the education of Native peoples.
“The University is grateful for the leadership of Professor Shotton who richly deserves this national recognition,” said OU President David Boren.
Shotton was one of five association members honored for their accomplishments in improving the quality of life for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities through education at the 47th Annual National Indian Education Association Convention and Trade Show in Reno, Nevada.
At OU, Shotton’s academic areas of interest include indigenous women, indigenous leadership and indigenous higher education. Courses she has taught include Native American Studies Capstone, Research Methods in Native American Studies, American Indian Education Policy and Development, Tribal Service Learning and Introduction to Native American Studies.
Shotton has received numerous awards throughout her career earning the Outstanding Research Award in 2015 presented by the NASPA Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community and being named to the Native American 40 Under 40 Class of 2013 by the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development.
The National Indian Education Association advances comprehensive educational opportunities for all Native students. Serving as the critical link between Native communities and the diverse array of institutions that serve students, the Association holds all accountable for improving achievement. Through advocacy, capacity-building and education, the National Indian Education Association supports Native students and their communities to succeed.
