American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Staff
Perry, Lisa
Location: 135 G, Dr. Dan Voyich Student Commons
Phone: (406) 994-4880
E-mail: lisa.perry2@montana.edu
Lisa Perry is an enrolled member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and descendant of the Northern Arapaho Nation, with both tribes residing on the Wind River Indian Reservation. Ms. Perry was raised in the small town of Fort Washakie, Wyoming. She obtained her undergraduate degree in Renewable Resources from the University of Wyoming in 2006 and her Master of Business Administration from Grand Canyon University in 2012. Lisa is currently enrolled in the Mental Health Counseling graduate program at MSU with the goal of becoming a licensed & practicing counselor. Ms. Perry has been employed in various capacities at Montana State University since 2013. She is currently the Director of the AI/AN Student Success and Co-advisor to the American Indian Council. These capacities have given her the direct ability to support the American Indian student body while promoting culture, mental wellness, and education to the community. In her spare time, she loves to bead, watch various sporting events, and spend time with friends, family, and her two dogs.
Ross-Dick, Nicholas
E-mail: ned@montana.edu
Nick comes from the small community of White Swan, located on the Yakama Indian Reservation in Washington State. A graduate of Montana State University, Nick earned his degree in Philosophy with a minor in Native American Studies. While a student, Nick was very active in the community, serving in leadership with MSU’s American Indian Council, Nations, and as a representative in the ASMSU student government. As a part of the American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success team, Nick works daily on the ground with students, programming educational, cultural, and social initiatives designed to engage and equip students to grow in their confidence, awareness, and flourish while at MSU.
Maleeya Knows His Gun
Cultural Outreach/Recruitment Specialist
Location: 135 E, Dr. Dan Voyich Student Commons
Phone: (406) 994-3898
E-mail: maleeya.knowshisgun@montana.edu
Maleeya is originally from the Northern Cheyenne reservation and is a recent graduate of Montana State University. In December,Maleeyaearned her bachelor's degree in American Studies with a Native American Studies concentration. Maleeya is deeply passionate about cultivating inclusivity and cultural awareness within our campus and has been a part of the Indigenous community at MSU since her arrival in 2020. During her undergrad, Maleeya held multiple leadership positions and spent her time advocating for Indigenous people. From 2021-2023, Maleeya held the leadership role as the Miss Indian MSU which allowed her to represent and advocate for Native American students at MSU, ensuring that Indigenous voices are not only heard but amplified. In this role,Maleeya was able to use her platform to raise awareness for current Indigenous issues such as Missing and Murdered Indigenous People which ultimately led to the reformation of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Student Association (MMIPSA). Her experience as the Co-President of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Student Association afforded her the opportunity to plan impactful campus events, fundraise for affected families, and bring awareness to critical issues through culturally appropriate programming. Maleeya is acutely aware of the challenges many Native students face while transitioning to university life—an experience she was fortunate to navigate with the support of cultural events that made her feel at home and motivated her in her academic journey. Maleeya strives to create similarly transformative experiences for the future generations, ensuring they feel safe, supported, and valued during their time at MSU. In her free time, she enjoys sewing, beading, dancing, modeling, and expanding her knowledge in any way she can.
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Hastert, Michael
Student Recruitment and Outreach Coordinator, AI/AN Student Success Location: 135 E, Dr. Dan Voyich Student Commons |
Josie Kaufman
Good Relations Learning Community Program Coordinator
Location: 135 F, Dr. Dan Voyich Student Commons
Phone: (406) 994-3337
E-mail: josie.kaufman@montana.edu
