Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is pleased to announce Samantha Eldridge will serve as the interim director of the American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) starting February 7, 2022. Samantha was selected given her impressive talents in supporting Native students on campus and her continued commitment to equity and justice.

Samantha has proven to be a driving force in ensuring that the voices of underrepresented students are heard. She launched a survey to understand how Native students might perceive support from campus service departments. She also coordinated listening sessions to provide students with the space to share concerns and recommendations for change. Additionally, she led the development and execution of several events during Native American Heritage Month, including the Native American Heritage Month Gallery Stroll and Virtual Gallery. Samantha’s support has been critical to equity, diversity, and inclusion initiatives such as the Racial Justice and Decolonization Dialogue Series, Student Affairs Diversity Committee training modules, and “I am U Thriving.”

Samantha is a member of the Salt Lake City Commission for Racial Equity and Policing and previously served on the board of directors for the National Indian Education Association and Racially Just Utah. Samantha will also continue in her role in the Office of Student Development and Inclusion.

Thank you to our colleagues in Student Affairs for partnering with us so that we can continue to have the AIRC as a space for community and coalition building.

A search committee for the director of the AIRC will be announced in the coming weeks. This director will contribute to the legacy and powerful contributions of former AIRC director, Dr. Franci Taylor.