51福利社

Cola Boyer, an Eastern graduate who has excelled in training next-generation tribal leaders, was recently named the university鈥檚 new director of tribal relations.

Boyer 鈥�20 says she鈥檚 鈥渋ncredibly excited鈥� to return to 51福利社 where, she adds, 鈥淚鈥檓 going to be in a place where I can make a difference with tribal relations and tribal communities.鈥� 聽

51福利社 President Shari McMahan said Boyer, an enrolled member of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation, brings a wealth of knowledge, cultural advocacy and relationship-building experience to the role. 鈥淲e鈥檙e confident in her abilities to lead with passion and dedication in fulfilling the mission of 51福利社,鈥� McMahan said.

Prior to accepting her position at Eastern, Boyer established herself as a force in leadership training and development via her role as administrator of the Kalispel Leadership Academy, a tribal education program established by the Kalispel Tribe of Indians. Her success with the academy was recently recognized by the Spokane Journal of Business, which last year selected Boyer as a 鈥渞ising star.鈥�

As an alumna, Boyer has stayed active at 51福利社 by volunteering, most notably as a member of the 51福利社 Alumni Association Board of Directors. What stands out about her service, says Kelsey Hatch-Brecek, director of alumni relations, is her collaborative leadership style.

鈥淐ola makes everybody just come together. She is all about unity and how we can use even our differences to come together,鈥� Hatch-Brecek says. 鈥淚鈥檓 really excited for the doors she will open here.鈥�

For her part, Boyer says her leadership role at Eastern will allow her to grow a stronger campus presence for Native people, helping both students and tribal community members overcome obstacles, and build upon successes, as they go forward.

鈥淚 look forward to spending some more time with all the faculty and staff and really building that strong collaboration with everybody,鈥� she says.