Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) invites applications and nominations for the position of President. The President serves as the Chief Executive Officer and reports to the KBOCC Board of Regents. The President is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and strategic direction of the College, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, culturally relevant education rooted in Anishinaabe values. As KBOCC celebrates its 50th anniversary, the institution seeks a visionary, collaborative, and student-centered leader who can guide the College into its next era of growth, sustainability, and community impact.
Chartered by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community in 1975, KBOCC is a fully accredited tribal college located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The College offers associate degrees in Anishinaabe Studies, Business Administration, Nursing, Psychology, and other disciplines, as well as CTE and Early Middle College programs. As a 1994 Land Grant Institution, KBOCC is committed to holistic education that promotes cultural revitalization, economic development, and academic achievement. The College serves students through small class sizes, personalized learning, and strong partnerships with regional institutions including Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University.
Provide visionary leadership aligned with KBOCC’s mission, tribal values, and community goals
Uphold and promote Anishinaabe culture, language, and lifeways across institutional practices
Ensure compliance with all accreditation, Title IV, and grant requirements
Strengthen partnerships with tribal leadership, community stakeholders, K-12 institutions, and regional higher education partners
Oversee academic program quality, faculty development, and student success initiatives
Maintain fiscal responsibility through effective budgeting, grant writing, and resource development
Foster a positive and inclusive campus climate that supports shared governance and staff professional growth
Serve as the primary spokesperson and advocate for the College at local, state, and national levels
Master’s degree from a regionally accredited institution
Proven experience in higher education administration, including strategic planning and budget oversight
Demonstrated commitment to Native American student success and tribal community engagement
Familiarity with tribal sovereignty and the mission of tribal colleges and universities
Doctorate or terminal degree
Experience at a tribal college, community college, or similar institution
Teaching experience at the postsecondary level
Successful track record in grant acquisition and philanthropic development
Knowledge of Anishinaabe culture and history
Experience managing federal and tribal funding sources
Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with Boards, tribal councils, and community leaders
Indian Preference will be applied in accordance with applicable law.
To apply, submit the following materials through acctsearches.org by August 5, 2025:
A cover letter (maximum five pages) addressing your interest in the position and how your background aligns with KBOCC’s mission and goals
A current curriculum vitae
A list of eight professional references (including supervisors, direct reports, and board members)
All applications will remain confidential until finalists are invited to campus.
For confidential inquiries or nominations, contact:
Cindy Lopez
ACCT Search Services and Tribal College Initiatives
Email: clopez@acct.org
Phone: (405) 255-2566
Search Launch: June 2025
Application Deadline: August 5, 2025
Semifinalist Interviews: August 2025
Finalist Campus Visits: Week of September 15, 2025
Appointment Announced: By November 1, 2025
Keweenaw Bay Ojibwa Community College (KBOCC) is a tribally controlled, accredited, two-year college located in L’Anse, Michigan. Chartered in 1975 by the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community (KBIC) Tribal Council, KBOCC was established as an independent, non-profit educational institution dedicated to serving the unique needs of Native American and local community learners. Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, KBOCC continues to uphold its mission of delivering high-quality, culturally grounded education that promotes student success, self-determination, and community well-being.
Mission:
To support and uplift all learners to achieve their goals through holistic education, while promoting Anishinaabe culture, language, and lifeways.
Vision:
To be an intergenerational center of educational excellence and innovation grounded in Anishinaabe values for community advancement and well-being.
KBOCC offers a wide range of academic and vocational programs designed to prepare students for employment, advanced education, and lifelong learning. Academic offerings include:
Associate Degrees:
Anishinaabe Studies
Anishinaabe Art
Business Administration
Early Childhood Education
Environmental Science (including Sustainability Emphasis)
General Studies
Health Science
Nursing
Psychology
Vocational and Community Enrichment Programs:
Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathways
Early Middle College partnerships
Personal and professional enrichment courses
The College also operates a preschool and early learning childcare center, supporting families and early childhood education in the region.
KBOCC received full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in 2013 and participates in the Michigan Transfer Agreement (MTA), facilitating credit transfers to four-year institutions like Michigan Technological University and Northern Michigan University. The College is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), through which students can access additional support services, including scholarships from the American Indian College Fund.
KBOCC is also recognized as a 1994 Land Grant Institution, a designation that enhances its capacity for community-based agricultural, environmental, and educational programming.
With an average student-to-faculty ratio of 7:1, KBOCC emphasizes small class sizes and personalized learning. Students benefit from culturally relevant curriculum, access to supportive faculty and staff, and opportunities for research and leadership. KBOCC also offers on-campus resources including a student cafeteria, events programming, and academic support services.
KBOCC is located in the village of L’Anse, nestled along the shores of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Surrounded by natural beauty—from forested hills to Michigan’s highest point, Mt. Arvon—the campus provides an inspiring and peaceful setting for learning and reflection. Baraga County is rich in history, culture, and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal location for holistic education rooted in place and tradition.