MISSION

• To foster open communication between Arizona State University and American Indian Tribes.

• Ensure that all those who attend ASU receive appropriate student support services.

• Work to recruit, retain, and increase the graduation rates of Native American students.

• Promote and support Native American programming throughout the university

BIOGRAPHIES

Dr. Peterson Zah
Special Advisor to the President on American Indian Affairs

In 1995, Dr. Zah was recruited by ASU to help address the education concerns of the growing Native American student population and their respective communities.

Dr. Zah continues to work with a variety of entities to improve the education of all Native people.

• Advances the New American University vision
• Bridges ASU with Native Nations; launch exemplar initiatives
• Assists in recruitment and retention of American Indian students
• Engages in development activities
• Voice and advocates on behalf of American Indian students and programs
• Meets with students and families
• Presents in classes, national/local conferences, graduations, special events
• Represents ASU in Tribal, state, and federal government relations
• Serves on several national/local boards and committees; Harvard Honoring Nations, Native Nations Institute, Arizona Community Foundation, Maricopa Community Colleges (Native American Advisory Group), Construction in Indian Country, and Indian Legal Program and ATUIE.

Goggle: Peterson Zah

Annabell Bowen
Coordinator, Projects and Operations

Annabell Bowen is of the Diné  Nation and Seneca Nation.  She was raised in Tuba City, Arizona and on the Allegany Seneca Territory in Western New York.  Her clan is Biihbitoodnii (Deer Springs People); born for the Bear Clan of the Seneca Nation; maternal grandfather’s clan is Tl’izi lani (Manygoats People); and paternal grandfather’s clan is the Snipe Clan of the Seneca Nation. 

Annabell received her B.A. in History and a B.S. in American Indian Studies from Arizona State University and M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction with a concentration in Indian Education from Arizona State University. 

Annabell is proactively involved with on and off-campus services in the areas of education, student support, cultural maintenance, leadership development and fundraising. She previously worked with ASU Graduate School and with the W.P. Carey School of Business.  She serves on the Board of Directors for the ASU Native American Alumni Chapter (NAAC) and serves as a co-advisor to the American Indian Council (AIC) Student Organization.

LorenAshley Buford
Student Liaison

LorenAshley Buford, 22yrs old, was born and raised on the Ocklawaha Band of Yamassee Seminole Reservation in Orange Springs Florida. She is Wildcat Clan born for the Panther Clan.

LorenAshley is currently a fifth year senior at Arizona State University, pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies and will be graduating in May 2009. Upon graduating she plans to pursue a Masters in American Indian Studies, Non-Profit Organization or Law, and ultimately a PhD to become a professor.

LorenAshley is currently the Facilitator of the American Indian Council at ASU, which serves as a support system to the various Native Organizations on campus. As the Student Liasion she is able to provide a voice for the student concerns to Tribes and Corporations that work with the American Indian Initiatives within the Office of the President.