Gordon fills new position at Whitman

By Casey Brown for Whitman College

Jeanine Gordon, an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), is the first person to hold a newly-formed role at Whitman College: Special Assistant to the President for Native American Outreach.

“I am most excited about creating something that has not been established yet,” Gordon says.

Whitman College President Sarah Bolton says she is delighted Gordon is taking on the new role.

“Jeanine has many qualifications that support her taking on this role. She has played important professional roles at the CTUIR, and also knows Whitman College well. She has already begun great work on campus,” says Bolton.

In Agreement

In 2017, Whitman College and the CTUIR signed a document that formalized their long-standing relationship. The Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was renewed in 2022 and focuses on efforts to enhance Native American higher education opportunities.

The MOA’s scope covers many areas, including identifying areas of mutual research, facilitating the transition of CTUIR members to college life and enhancing support to Native American students in areas such as outreach, recruitment, internships and more. It is also an important document that guides Gordon’s work.

“First and foremost is to ensure that the priorities outlined in the MOA are met,” Gordon says.

“The role follows from the Memorandum of Agreement with the CTUIR, which was reaffirmed last spring,” Bolton says. “The MOA calls for the college to establish a position which allows the college to increase efforts regarding Native American outreach, admissions, recruitment and retention, financial aid, academic advising and internships.”

Gordon will also plan events for Native American alumni and Native American Heritage Month

Continued on Page 13A