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Contact: Emily Springer, Communication Manager, Communication and Information Technology, University Outreach and Engagement, sprin116@msu.edu

EAST LANSING, MI— Kevin Leonard, who has helped renew relationships with Michigan’s Tribal communities as interim director of MSU’s Native American Institute (NAI), has been named the institute’s permanent director effective August 1, 2024.

He was appointed interim director in October of 2022 by then MSU Provost Teresa Woodruff who recognized his background, expertise, and forward-thinking commitment as integral to the success of NAI.

As interim director, Leonard led NAI’s transition from the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources to the Office of University Outreach and Engagement (UOE), where he began conducting listening sessions with Michigan’s 12 federally recognized Tribes and partners across the state. As a member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, Leonard’s extensive knowledge has contributed to better understanding Native communities and what they want from NAI and MSU as a partner.

“We’re thrilled to recognize Kevin’s transition from interim director to a permanent leadership role,” said Kwesi Brookins, vice provost for UOE. “His professional experience and personal affiliations will continue to renew relationships with American Indian Tribes, communities, and partners throughout Michigan.”

Over the past two years, Leonard has been engaging in programming to reestablish NAI’s presence on and off campus. NAI collaborated with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights and MSU Libraries, which led to the Michigan Indian Boarding School Research Initiative, providing up to three members from each of Michigan’s federally recognized Tribes access to MSU’s electronic databases for research purposes.

“I’m honored to continue serving the Native Nations throughout our state as director of NAI,” Leonard said. “I have dedicated much of my professional career to establishing and nurturing partnerships with Tribal communities and look forward to sustaining those relationships both on and off campus.”

A lifelong Spartan, Leonard earned three degrees from MSU including a doctorate and master’s in adult and lifelong education, as well as a bachelor’s in hospitality business.

In addition to serving as an active member of EAGLE, MSU’s Native American Faculty and Staff Association, Leonard is also a member of the Native American Advisory Council for the Michigan Diversity Council, and an elected official of Holt Public Schools’ Board of Trustees and the Delhi Township Parks Commissioner.

Learn more about Leonard by visiting UOE’s website.

About NAI

Since its establishment in 1981, the Native American Institute has collaborated with Tribes, American Indian communities, and Native organizations on behalf of MSU. Through this time period, Michigan Tribes achieved significant advances in their community and economic development. The mission of NAI is to produce and further scholarship and programming for the benefit of Tribes, American Indian communities, and Native organizations. NAI supports campus and community collaboration and provides opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and the public to learn about issues facing American Indians and Indigenous peoples.