Dr. Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet to lecture at University of Redlands

Dr. Cassandra Manuelito-Kerkvliet, the former President of Antioch University in Seattle, will speak on her journey to become the first Native American woman to lead a non-tribal college or university in the U.S. and her leadership style that actively incorporates her Navajo roots. Her lecture, "My Climb to the Highest Rung" will be presented at the Hall of Letters 100 at the University of Redlands, located on the east side of the Administration Building. This event is free and open to the public, and takes place from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 5. Prior to her presidency at Antioch, Manuelito-Kerkvliet served as the first woman president of Diné College, a tribal college with eight campuses, and has more than 25 years of experience in student services and counseling roles. Manuelito-Kerkvliet is the great, great granddaughter of Navajo Chief Manuelito. “My Climb to the Highest Rung” will appeal to anyone interested in higher education leadership, educational justice, diversity and inclusion. The lecture, which is a key event for the University’s celebration of Native American Heritage Month, will begin with a blessing by a local Native American spiritual leader Kim Marcus.