University of Arizona Faculty Allege Administrator Poses Threat to Native Student Success – ICT News

Shondiin Silversmith
Arizona Mirror

Concerns about safety have sparked a significant response from Native faculty at the University of Arizona (UofA). After several Indigenous students reported feeling unsafe due to the actions of assistant vice provost Tessa L. Dysart, faculty members are urging university leaders to take swift action.

The Native American Faculty Group sent a letter to UofA President Dr. Suresh Garimella, emphasizing that Dysart’s tenure has created discord in the Native community at the university. Their letter claims that since her appointment in 2024, Dysart has “actively caused severe harm” to Indigenous students.

Since last fall, multiple students have reached out to faculty about their unease on campus. “In our culture, we allow our children to speak, and we listen,” the group stated, underscoring their commitment to student voices.

Among the faculty who signed the letter are notable professors like Karletta Chief and Jameson D. Lopez. Through firsthand experiences, they’ve observed troubling incidents that contradict established protocols aimed at supporting Indigenous students.

Students have voiced worries over Dysart’s lack of support for essential academic initiatives, including the Land Back movement and other community discussions. Reports even suggest she attempted to silence a student at the recent Tribal Leaders Summit, raising further concerns.

Support for the faculty’s stance is evident, as nearly 100 people, including students and alumni, have signed the letter asking for Dysart’s removal.

“Dysart’s actions are unprofessional and misaligned with student interests,” the letter reads. Faculty members worry that her behavior fosters division within the Native community at UofA.

The faculty pointed out that Dysart may not be qualified for her role. They allege she has no significant experience working with Native American students or programs, nor any credible publications on related topics. During her interview, she claimed to have built relationships with Native law students—claims that some students dispute.

Moreover, the group also expressed concern over leaders in the Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement (NAATE) office, citing a general atmosphere of unease around current leadership.

In light of these issues, the faculty members feel they cannot, in good faith, recommend UofA to Indigenous students, suggesting instead that they consider Arizona State University or Northern Arizona University, where they believe the support systems for Native students are stronger.

Dysart’s position comes with a salary of $167,116 per year, yet the faculty remains skeptical about her accountability and performance reviews in serving the Native community.

The faculty group’s frustration extends to the university’s decision to consolidate the Native American Student Affairs (NASA) cultural center, which includes the recent termination of director Julian Juan. Under Juan’s leadership, the center became a vital, positive space for Indigenous students. His firing on May 27 has raised questions, leading to calls for his reinstatement.

“In contrast to Dysart, Juan has genuine connections within tribal communities, making his advocacy essential for Native students,” they wrote. His termination appears at odds with the university’s commitment to support Indigenous initiatives.

The faculty group is now appealing to Patricia Prelock, UofA’s new provost, to take decisive action. They are calling for NASA to remain independent, removing Dysart and reinstating Juan, while establishing a council to ensure that Indigenous voices are heard. They concluded their letter with an appeal to honor their sovereignty as members of tribal nations.

In summary, the call for change at UofA shows a strong desire among Native faculty to prioritize student safety and wellbeing, highlighting the ongoing challenges Indigenous communities face in academia.

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