Who We Are
American Indian Higher Education Consortium is the U.S. voice of Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), advancing Tribal-led higher education that strengthens communities, supports student success, and upholds Tribal sovereignty. Representing 35 accredited TCUs and two developing institutions, AIHEC advances higher education opportunities for American Indian and Alaska Native students through locally governed, culturally grounded, and community-responsive programs.
AIHEC provides leadership and advances public policy on American Indian and Alaska Native higher education through outreach, research, and program initiatives. The consortium strengthens Native languages and cultures, supports Tribal communities and Tribal Nations, and serves its member institutions and developing institutions through coordinated advocacy and capacity-building efforts.
Mission and Vision
The AIHEC mission is to amplify the collective voices of Tribal-led higher education to empower TCUs through culturally grounded practices, legislative policy initiatives, research, and capacity building.
The AIHEC vision is a unified group of Tribal Colleges and Universities that cultivates student success and perpetuates the lifeways and sovereignty of Tribal Nations.
AIHEC Leadership
AIHEC's Board Members
AIHEC is a 501(c)(3) organization governed by a Board of Directors composed of the presidents of the nation’s accredited Tribal Colleges and Universities
Meet Our Team
Visit our staff page to learn more about the dedicated team at AIHEC supporting TCUs across the country.
About the President
Ahniwake Rose, President and CEO, brings over 19 years of experience in Tribal policy and mission-driven state, national, and Tribal nonprofit organizations.
Our History
In 1973, the first six Tribal Colleges and Universities established the American Indian Higher Education Consortium to create a collective national voice and support network for Tribal higher education. AIHEC emerged during a critical period of growth, engaging federal policymakers to strengthen policy support for American Indian and Alaska Native higher education.
