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CORVALLIS, Ore. – Chance White Eyes, an assistant professor of Native American studies at Southern Oregon University and an alumnus of Oregon State University, has been named the inaugural director of Tribal relations at Oregon State. He starts Dec. 15.

“I am excited to return to Oregon State University,” White Eyes said. “This institution is in a privileged position to serve the Tribes of Oregon and beyond. As such, I wish to advance initiatives that will promote economic, social, cultural and environmental health for the Indigenous communities of the region.”

At Southern Oregon, his research focused on Indigenous research methodologies, post-secondary Indigenous student success and the history of educational policy. He previously served as assistant to the tribal liaison at University of Oregon, where he worked to strengthen ties between the university and the nine sovereign Tribal nations in Oregon.

“We could not be more excited to welcome Dr. White Eyes to Oregon State University,” said Scott Vignos, OSU vice president and chief diversity officer. “Dr. White Eyes has spent his entire career building relationships with Tribal and Indigenous communities and working tirelessly to advance Indigenous student success. He is exceptionally prepared to lead and guide OSU’s efforts to deepen and expand the university’s relationships with Tribal nations in Oregon and throughout the country.”

White Eyes will be a member of the government relations team in Oregon State’s Office of the President. He will build and maintain collaborative, mutual and trusting relationships with Tribal nations within Oregon and beyond and consult with Oregon State leadership, colleges and programs to advance the university’s teaching, research and engagement missions.

White Eyes holds a doctorate in critical and socio-cultural studies in education from the University of Oregon and a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Oregon State. He is an enrolled member of the Oneida Tribe of Wisconsin.