New Director of IU First Nations Educational & Cultural Center Announced

Bloomington, Indiana—Sherene Goatson Ing has been named director of the First Nations Educational & Cultural Center (FNECC) and will begin on January 30 in this role.

“We are so pleased to welcome Sherene to IU,” says James Wimbush, vice president for diversity, equity, and multicultural affairs and Johnson Chair for Diversity and Leadership. “Under her leadership, we hope to enhance further the work of the FNECC, which exists to help every Native American student at IU Bloomington thrive in their academic pursuits.”

“Just as important, the FNECC plays a key role in furthering IU’s diversity and equity work. Sherene will be instrumental in this mission,” Wimbush adds.

The First Nations Educational & Cultural Center supports American Indian and Indigenous students in their transition to and achievement at Indiana University Bloomington. The center provides several academic and personal supports, including campus programs and an extended network of resources and information to inspire, encourage, and empower students for success.

Originally from Northern Arizona, Ing is a member of the Navajo Nation. Her clans are Bitterwater, Manygoats, Water's Edge, and Red Running Into the Water. Ing graduated from the Indiana University Bloomington O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, where she attained a master’s degree in public affairs and non-profit management. Her undergraduate work was completed at Brigham Young University. She also has a mediation program certificate from Harvard Law School.

Before her current appointment to the FNECC, Ing served as a program director for Monroe County United Ministries. In that role, her responsibilities included supervising a team of staff, college interns, and community volunteers and collaborating with government, private and non-profit organizations to create local policy improvements for low-income individuals and communities.

As part of her work as director of the FNECC, Ing will serve as an educational resource to faculty and staff on issues relating to Native American and Indigenous peoples. She will also develop, deliver, and coordinate educational programs and support services related to the center including fostering partnerships with other campus and non-campus entities with Native American and Indigenous aspects in their mission.

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity,” says Ing. “And I look forward to building on the work of previous directors by providing a space where Native students, faculty, and staff feel welcomed and their voices heard.”

Nicky Belle, the FNECC’s former director, stepped down from that position in October 2022 to take on a new role within the Student Involvement and Leadership Center in the IUB Division of Student Affairs.