DURANGO, COLO.— Fort Lewis College President Heather J. Shotton has been selected by the Association for the Study of Higher Education (ASHE) as one of its 15 2026 Fellows.
This is the second cohort of the program, established in 2025 to mark ASHE’s 50th anniversary and to recognize a select group of scholars who have demonstrated sustained scholarly contributions, leadership within the association, and a commitment to advancing research in higher education.
“Being selected as an ASHE Fellow is a profound honor that reflects a commitment to advancing higher education scholarship, mentorship, and service,” said ASHE Executive Director Jason P. Guilbeau, Ph.D. “This recognition celebrates not only individual scholarly achievements, but also a dedication to fostering inclusive, collaborative environments for future generations. We are thrilled to recognize President Shotton as a member of our second class of ASHE Fellows.”
“I am deeply honored to be recognized as an ASHE Fellow and to join a remarkable community of scholars whose commitment to research, service, and mentorship has strengthened higher education,” Shotton said. “To be honored by an institution that has been such an important part of my scholarly career is truly meaningful.”
The program reflects ASHE’s focus on advancing scholarly inquiry while fostering connections where voices and ideas can flourish, elevating the diverse perspectives that shape the field, and recognizing those who bring a visionary approach to research and service to the broader scholarly community.
An enrolled citizen of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes and a descendant of the Kiowa and Cheyenne Tribes, President Shotton is a nationally recognized scholar and higher education leader. Her career has spanned small liberal arts colleges and large public research universities. As a scholar of higher education, she has dedicated her scholarship and practice to bringing visibility to Indigenous people and addressing issues of equity in higher education.
Before becoming president at FLC, Shotton served for three years as Vice President of Diversity Affairs and Acting Dean of Student Engagement.
At FLC, Shotton has been instrumental in advancing reconciliation work that acknowledges the institution’s history as a federal Indian boarding school, positioning FLC as a national model for institutions seeking to reconcile with their past while advancing equity and student success.
President Shotton is passionate about student success and has made that a priority for FLC during her first year as president.