NACC Staff
Leadership
The Indigenous community at Yale has made significant strides since Henry Roe Cloud’s arrival in 1910. We are committed to further strengthening this community, ensuring that Yale becomes a leading institution for both scholars who seek to deepen their understanding of Native American and Indigenous knowledge, culture, and scholarship.
The director and the assistant director of the Native American Cultural Center work together to support Indigenous students and programming throughout the year. The director works with colleagues in the dean’s office, while the assistant director works from an office located inside the NACC.
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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. |
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Denise Morales, Assistant Director, Native American Cultural Center (she/her/hers) Denise Morales (Tohono O’odham), is the Assistant Director of the Native American Cultural Center. She is 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. |
Native American Cultural Center
26 High Street
New Haven, CT 06520
Phone: 203-432-8887
To learn more about the Yale Indigenous community, feel free to follow us on our social media handles, managed by our student staff and faculty! Check our Instagram for our regularly updated schedules.