Vice President of Student Affairs
Fort Lewis College

Application Process 
A complete application packet includes: 

• Cover letter addressing interest and qualifications for the position
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
• Names and contact information for three current, professional references

Fort Lewis College is a public liberal arts undergraduate research institution shaped by the land, people, and culture of the Southwest. Nestled in Durango, Colorado—where the desert meets the Rocky Mountains—FLC offers students immersive, hands-on learning across 60 majors.

Academic excellence and regional perspective

Whether through business, arts, sciences, or emerging fields like nanotechnologies, graduates leave with a deep understanding of their field and a unique perspective shaped by the region’s diverse landscapes and communities. This prepares them to address global challenges with regional insight, the skills and knowledge to excel in today’s workforce, and adapt to the evolving demands of the future.

Commitment to diversity and inclusivity

Diversity and inclusion are core to the FLC experience. As a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and an emerging Hispanic-serving institution, the college is deeply committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive. The college enrolls approximately 3,400 students, with about 150 in graduate programs. The student body represents 113 Native American Tribes and Alaskan villages, 49 states, and 12 countries, with almost half from Colorado. In addition, 36% are Pell Grant Eligible, 44% are first-generation students, 39% are Native American, and 15% are Hispanic/Latinx.

Equity and student support

FLC prioritizes equity and inclusion in academics and campus life through a community of care approach. This commitment extends to academic programs and student support services, ensuring everyone has the resources and opportunities needed for success.

Faculty excellence and research leadership

The college’s 240+ faculty members go beyond traditional teaching, providing a well-rounded education that extends into impactful programs for students and the broader community. Their dedication has garnered national recognition and opened significant grant opportunities. Last year alone, FLC secured over $38 million in grants and sponsored research, a jump from $33 million the previous year—a remarkable achievement for an institution of its size. This year, the School of Education secured nearly $7 million in federal grants from the Office of English Language Acquisition and a U.S. Department of Education grant naming the school as an Augustus F. Hawkins Center of Excellence. Other grants include the Howard Hughes Medical Institute's Inclusive Excellence 3 (IE3) initiative, an NSF grant for the Partnership for Education and the Advancement of Quantum and Nanosciences, and a $1.2 million U.S. Department of Energy grant for advancing environmental sciences and environmental justice education that also provides paid internships and housing for students.

Holistic approach to student well-being

In addition, with the goal of supporting students in every aspect of their lives, FLC staff have successfully secured grants to support harm reduction initiatives and provide culturally responsive mental healthcare, emergency housing, food, and healthcare services.

Fort Lewis College is deeply committed to fostering a community of care, prioritizing student well-being in every aspect of campus life. Through a campus-wide care model, every member of the FLC community is actively involved in supporting students' health, safety, and overall well-being.

Inclusive and trauma-informed support

FLC embraces an inclusive, holistic, and trauma informed approach, understanding that its students come from diverse and often unique backgrounds. Many students are navigating systems not originally designed with them in mind. By honoring each student’s truth and values, FLC aims to empower its students and cultivate a strong sense of belonging.

Meeting students’ basic needs

The Student Well-Being Office provides comprehensive support for students' mental, physical, and emotional health, ensuring they stay connected and access essential resources. According to the 2024 Basic Needs Survey, 52% of FLC students experienced food insecurity, 55% faced housing insecurity, 21% were homeless, and 69% struggled with at least one of these challenges.

 Peer and wellness programs

In response to these critical needs, FLC offers a range of services designed to promote health and well-being. The WellPAC program focuses on health promotion and harm reduction, while the WellPAC Peer Support Office, run by students, offers a confidential and non-judgmental space for mental health support. These initiatives foster a sense of belonging and strengthen the community's collective care.

Food and housing security

Additionally, The Grub Hub addresses food and housing insecurity by providing culturally relevant, nutritious foods, stable and safe housing options, and inclusive personal care products to students, staff, and community members.

Accessible health and counseling services

The Student Health Center, an accredited Medicaid provider, ensures students can access affordable, inclusive healthcare on campus, including access to reproductive healthcare. For emotional wellbeing, the Counseling Center offers free counseling, including access to Indigenous perspectives and tools around mental health.

• Learn more about Student Affairs
• Learn more about Student Well-Being

Fort Lewis College offers plenty of opportunities for involvement, including 16 NCAA Division II sports, 32 intramural sports, and over 100 student organizations.

Campus engagement and involvement

The Student Involvement Center is a hub for student engagement and campus organizations, helping everyone find their place at FLC.

Outdoor Pursuits

Outdoor Pursuits (OP) offers students outdoor adventure opportunities to climb, bike, ski, raft, kayak, canyoneer, and mountaineer. Their playground? The planet's rivers, deserts, oceans, beaches, lakes, and mountains of Colorado, Utah, California, Alaska, Arizona, Mexico, Russia, Panama, Ecuador, Washington, Africa, and beyond.

Fort Lewis on the Water (FLOW)

FLOW offers custom designed river trips tailored to meet specific educational goals, whether studying the geology of the Colorado Plateau from a raft or taking water samples to study the microbiota of the Animas River. Faculty, student organizations, and staff can create immersive learning experiences by selecting from various rivers in Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah.

Environmental leadership and sustainability

At the Environmental Center, students take the lead in addressing critical environmental and social issues through hands-on projects. From advancing sustainability initiatives to creating lasting change, the center’s programs gives students the opportunity to make a real impact and create a more environmentally and socially responsible world.

Learn more about Student Life at FLC

Dr. Heather J. Shotton serves as the 11th President of Fort Lewis College, making history as the first Native American to lead the institution. She brings over two decades of experience in academic leadership, student success, and institutional transformation to her role.

Learn more about President Shotton