Learn about the NAC

The NAC exists to ensure Indigenous students are seen, heard, and supported, not just within our walls, but across every corner of campus. Through culturally grounded coaching, holistic wellness, community building, and advocacy rooted in Indigenous values, we challenge systems and uplift voices with every interaction.

Our Center

Located on the bottom floor of the Student Union, the NAC neighbors the Gender and Sexuality Resource Center (the "G") and El Centro de Muchos Colores. Our space is designed for studying, gathering, laughing, and eating, with direct outdoor access to our tipi ring. Stop by and make use of:

  • Lounge area
  • Computers and printers
  • Study tables
  • Indigenous cookbook library
  • Indigenous content library
  • Media Loan Program library
  • Cultural Kitchen
  • Games and craft supplies

NASNTI Designation

FLC holds a federal designation as a Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI), granted to colleges that maintain at least 10% Native American enrollment. This designation reflects a specific obligation to Indigenous student success, one the NAC takes seriously in everything we do.

Get to know the NAC staff

Larenz Esplain
Assistant Director

An enrolled citizen of the Navajo Nation, Larenz is a first-generation graduate with an undergraduate degree in Psychology and a graduate degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on Community Colleges and Higher Education.  Larenz also brings a wealth of experience in tribal scholarship work and student-centered practices. 

Larenz joined FLC in 2022 and has contributed to improving belonging and access across our campus community. Prior to leading the Native American Center, Larenz ran the Circle Back program, a $500K retention improvement grant initiative, awarded to FLC through the State of Colorado that focused on supporting nontraditional students returning to college after the Covid-19 pandemic. He believes that if we can improve systems and remove barriers within an institution, we can better support all students that come through our doors. 

Katie Dick
Academic Coordinator

Katie (she/her) is the Academic Coordinator at the NAC. Katie grew up on the Yakama Reservation, where she was surrounded by education as a driving force behind community care. Starting out as an undergraduate student worker in Orientation and Cultural Centers, Since 2018, Katie deepened her belief in education as a tool to build student agency. Katie is trained in facilitating conversations about difference, using an Intergroup Dialogue framework, and holds a degree in Politics. In her free time, Katie enjoys reading, scrapbooking, and discovering new music artists. 

Rodera Johnson
Wellness Coordinator

Rodera Johnson is Tó’aheedlíinii, born for Haltsooí, and a first-generation Fort Lewis College alumn. She holds a B.S. in Sports Administration with a minor in Coaching and an MBA in Sports & Recreation Management. 

With a background in sports, recreation, youth education, and working alongside Native communities and Native youth. Rodera is passionate about creating spaces where people feel supported, connected, and able to show up as their full selves. Her work centers Indigenous wellness as a way of life, founded in relationships, identity, belonging, and living in a good way. Through her work, she hopes to make wellness feel more accessible, meaningful, and connected to the communities she serves.