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CASS LAKE — Helen Zaikina-Montgomery has been selected by the Leech Lake Tribal College’s Board of Trustees to serve as the institution’s president having taken office on April 26.
“President Zaikina-Montgomery has had an incredible track record as the interim president including leading the college through the COVID pandemic, developing and implementing the college’s strategic plan, promoting the college at the local and national levels, and building the college’s infrastructure,” LLTC Trustee Chairperson Jennifer Cross said in a release.
Cross also mentioned Montgomery’s commitment to creating more opportunities for students, faculty and staff through tireless support and funding for the college.
“Dr. Montgomery has a sound understanding of tribal college financial viability, has developed a strategic direction incorporating the Anishinaabe cultural values and aligns those values with the educational programming,” LLTC Trustee Vicki White said.
Montgomery became LLTC’s interim president in May 2021 following the departure of former president Raymond Burns. Montgomery initially came to the college in 2019 as the Director of Assessment and Institutional Research.
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“In my time here (...), I learned that this college is an innovative, pioneering and spiritual institution deeply grounded in Anishinaabe values,” Montgomery said in the release. “I am looking forward to continuing to nurture the growth of this institution for our students, staff, faculty and most importantly this community.”
Montgomery’s presidential inauguration will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 9, at the Cedar Lakes Event Center in Cass Lake.
