Tuesday, March 25, 2025 374 View all Fort Lewis College news Women’s Resource Center recognizes FLC’s Heather Shotton with the ‘Extraordinary Woman’ Award The award acknowledges Shotton’s role in strengthening institutional policies, fostering belonging for underrepresented students, and expanding educational opportunities. The award recognizes Shotton’s role in strengthening institutional policies, fostering belonging for underrepresented students, and expanding educational opportunities. Fort Lewis College Vice President of Diversity Affairs and Acting Dean of Students Heather Shotton, PhD, has been honored by the Women’s Resource Center with its Extraordinary Woman Award. The award recognizes Shotton’s role in strengthening institutional policies, fostering belonging for underrepresented students, and expanding educational opportunities. Shotton joined FLC in 2022 with an extensive background in Indigenous education and higher education leadership. A citizen of the Wichita & Affiliated Tribes and a Kiowa and Cheyenne descendant, she has dedicated her career to creating inclusive spaces in higher education. Her impact has been deeply felt in FLC’s ongoing Reconciliation Process, which addresses the institution’s complex history as a former Native American boarding school. She has played a key role in fostering change while guiding the institution through efforts to acknowledge and reconcile its past. Steven Schwartz, FLC interim president, said Shotton’s impact extends beyond her work in policy and program development to mentorship and advocacy for students and faculty alike. She has worked closely with student organizations, faculty committees, and administrative teams to create a culture that has helped FLC recommit to its mission of helping every student, regardless of background, succeed. "Heather’s dedication to students and commitment to advocating for our values have made a lasting impact on our campus community," Schwartz said. Jeff Dupont, former dean of student engagement at FLC, worked with Shotton while at FLC and nominated her for the award. “On a personal level, I consider Heather not only a colleague but also a friend and mentor,” said Dupont, now the CEO of the Durango Chamber of Commerce. “Her vision, compassion, and ability to inspire others have been a source of support and encouragement to me and countless others.” Before joining Fort Lewis College, Shotton was the inaugural director of Indigenous education initiatives at the University of Oklahoma College of Education, where she helped develop programs that supported tribal nation-building. Shotton also served as chair of the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, where she advocated for justice in higher education and fostering future generations of higher education leaders. Her work in these roles helped shape policies and programs at both the institutional and national levels. Since 1981, the U.S. has set aside March to recognize extraordinary women in the country’s history. The national theme for 2025 is "Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations." Shotton will receive the award during the WRC’s Extraordinary Women Award dinner on March 26 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Double Tree Hotel.