An associate professor at Cal State University San Marcos was appointed by President Barack Obama to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, which advises the secretary of education and Congress on the administration and funding of Alaska Native and American Indian education programs.
Joely Proudfit, who chairs the Department of American Indian Studies and is director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center at CSUSM, "has been a champion educator and scholar," CSUSM President Karen Haynes said.
"Her research and work have been integral to our university's efforts to address the serious challenges facing American Indian students, and we are proud to have the highest per-capita number, and the only increasing number, of American Indian students in the 23-campus CSU system," Haynes said.
"Furthermore, her work as the founding director of the California Indian Culture and Sovereignty Center, in collaboration with our tribal liaison, has nurtured transformational relationships with tribal partners in our efforts to increase the educational access and success of American Indian students in our region," Haynes said.
Proudfit, one of three Obama appointees to the council, said it's time to acknowledge the daunting challenges facing American Indians "as we preserve our heritage and honor our traditions."
Obama said he was "honored that these talented individuals have decided to serve our country. They bring their years of experience and expertise to the administration, and I look forward to working with them."
