photo by: Contributed

Mackie Moore

The Bureau of Indian Education has named Mackie Moore as interim president of Haskell Indian Nations University on Monday.

Moore currently serves as dean of the College of Business at Haskell, and he will be in the interim role while the BIE conducts a national search for a permanent president. The announcement comes after he was recommended by faculty to serve as the university’s acting president, as the Journal-World reported.

Moore, an alumnus of the university, brings more than 20 years of experience in tribal and higher education leadership. He is also listed on the university’s website as the interim chief financial officer for Haskell. His background includes roles in academic administration, student success initiatives, and institutional development, according to a press release from the BIE.

The BIE is seeking a permanent successor to Frank Arpan, who was appointed president two years ago following several years of leadership turnover. Arpan abruptly announced his resignation on May 23. In an email to students and staff, he stated that he would be leaving the school on June 18 to “pursue other opportunities,” without providing further details.

In February, Haskell experienced significant staff layoffs as part of President Donald Trump’s initiative to reduce the federal workforce. While many of those employees have since been reinstated, uncertainty remains for the university. Earlier this month, the Trump administration proposed a nearly 90% cut to federal funding for tribal colleges and universities–a reduction that could potentially force Haskell and several other institutions to close.

The press release said the BIE will work in close collaboration with the Haskell Board of Regents to identify and appoint the university’s next president.