College Leadership

My name is Dan King and I am the President of Red Lake Nation College (RLNC) and a proud member of the Red Lake Tribe, serving as one of its seven hereditary chiefs. My lineage traces back six generations to the esteemed Red Lake hereditary head chief, Medweganoonind, and I am honored to carry on this legacy.

My educational journey led me to Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, where I earned a master’s degree in public administration. During my time at Harvard, I focused on the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development, dedicated to advancing nation-building initiatives for indigenous communities worldwide.

With a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of St. Thomas and an M.B.A., my 35-year professional career has been devoted to economic development and casino management for Indian Tribes. As a former Red Lake School Board Member and higher education administrator, I’ve also contributed to Indian education.

Having served as the tribal treasurer at Red Lake, I played a role in transforming the Red Lake casinos into the modern Seven Clans Casinos, a source of pride for the entire tribe and a testament to the hard work of the Seven Clans employees.

As President of RLNC, my focus is on establishing a financially sustainable institution that will endure for generations to come, serving as the heart of the Red Lake community. Under my leadership, RLNC is rapidly advancing, enhancing academic programs, Ojibwe language, cultural offerings, and bolstering student support services.

Together, we are shaping a brighter future for RLNC and fostering a strong connection with the Red Lake community for the next seven generations.

Since December 2014, Tami Niswander has served as the Chief Financial Officer at Red Lake Nation College. Currently pursuing a Doctorate of Business Administration at Metro State University in St. Paul, MN, Tami holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of North Dakota in Grand Forks, ND.

Prior to her role in higher education, Tami gained valuable experience in the private sector, contributing as a business analyst, financial analyst, credit analyst, management consultant, and small business entrepreneur. Notably, she is a small business owner in Bemidji, MN.

Tami’s commitment to education extends to her role as a community faculty member for Metro State University, where she has been teaching online courses in Management and Entrepreneurship since 2016. Additionally, she has been an adjunct instructor at RLNC since 2015, instructing both classroom-based and hybrid courses in Developmental Mathematics, Technology, and Business. Tami’s diverse background enriches her contributions to both the academics and business realms. We’re so lucky to have her!

Nadine Bill, a seasoned professional in higher education and brings over two decades of leadership experience.

Her extensive background includes roles in admissions and student services at the University of Washington, as well as serving as a development and community outreach director at Green River Community College. In 2005, Nadine received a prestigious fellowship in Higher Education from Harvard University, where she dedicated her efforts to student services research and collaborated on an inter-faculty initiative at the Kennedy School of Government.

An accomplished author, Nadine led primary research funded by the Gates Foundation, resulting in the publication of “Native Pathways: A Study of Colleges and Universities’ Best Practices for Native American Students in Washington State.” Over the past decade, she has held the position of dean of students and institutional research within the tribal college system.

Nadine, a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe of Washington State and a descendant of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Washington University, pursued graduate work in higher education, and earned a graduate fellowship from Harvard University.

Rochelle Johnson, an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation, boasts an impressive academic background with extensive studies culminating in her acquisition of a bachelor and masters degrees from Bemidji State University, a sixth-year degree from St. Cloud State University, and her doctoral ABD from the University of North Dakota.

With 29 years of dedicated educational experience in Minnesota schools, Rochelle has navigated various roles, including elementary classroom teaching, online graduate instruction, and 15 years of distinguished school administration. Her commitment to the college is unwavering, reflecting her strong belief in education and dedication to providing educational opportunities, especially for underserved populations like those of the Red Lake Nation and others in Native and northern rural communities.

What sets Rochelle apart is not only her academic prowess but also her unique ability to connect with students and staff. Her special talent for fostering meaningful connections contributes to a positive and inclusive educational environment. Rochelle brings a wealth of experience, genuine passion, and an unyielding commitment to excellence, enhancing the educational landscape at RLNC.