NACC Staff

Matthew Makomenaw, Ph.D., Assistant Dean, Yale College; Director of the Native American Cultural Center (he/him/his)

Dr. Matthew Makomenaw, is the Assistant Dean of Yale College, Director of the Native American Cultural Center, and a Trumbull Fellow. Matthew earned three degrees from Michigan State University: his Bachelor of Arts, in Psychology; his Master of Arts, in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education-Student Affairs; and his Ph.D., in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. His dissertation focused on tribal college transfer student success at four-year Institutions. Over the course of his career, he has created and supported programs to help Native and Indigenous students make the transition to and thrive in college - including summer bridge programs, college access initiatives, pow wows, tribal outreach and student retention and success.

Denise Morales, Assistant Director,  of the Native American Cultural Center (she/her/hers)

Denise Morales (Tohono O’odham), is the Assistant Director of the Native American Cultural Center.  She is originally from Long Beach, California. Denise is a first generation transfer student who recieved an associate degree from Long Beach City College and BA and MA from UCLA. Her previous experience includes higher education outreach to indigenous students in the Southern California area and supporting indigenous students at the University of Arizona.