Christopher Caldwell

Investiture:

Colleges and universities traditionally observe the selection of a new President or Chancellor with a formal event which may be called an inauguration, installation or, as has been chosen by CMN’s Trustees, investiture. While Chris Caldwell is the College’s third duly chosen President, he is the second being ceremonially invested in the office.

The structure of academic investitures reflects centuries-old customs. The rites include a procession of delegates in academic gowns, a presentation of symbols of service, and a program featuring key stakeholders in the organization. Our program will include elements appropriate for CMN’s own history, Menominee art and culture, our institution’s standing as a tribal college, and its diverse community of students, alumni and employees from many tribes and many backgrounds.

This tradition is under the aegis of the Board of Trustees.

 

History in Brief:

Dr. Verna Fowler was hired by the Menominee Legislature in September 1992 to create a college for the tribe. Three other dates are especially significant in the history of the College of Menominee Nation. On Jan. 19, 1993, CMN began offering general education classes on the Menominee Reservation to 42 tribal members. On March 4, 1993, CMN was chartered by the Menominee Legislature. A revised charter was unanimously approved by the Tribal Legislature on Oct. 3, 1996. The College observes 1993 as it's founding year and March 4 as Charter Day.

 

The College of Menominee Nation Board of Trustees welcomed Chris Caldwell to the CMN Presidency on July 1, 2021. Prior to this, Caldwell served as Interim President of the College since February 2020. He will be formally invested by the Board in ceremony on October 22, 2021.

 

President Caldwell began his higher education journey at CMN earning his Associate Degree in Sustainable Development. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Natural Resources from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a Master's Degree in Environmental Science and Policy from UW-Green Bay. He is currently a PhD candidate in Environment and Resources from UW-Madison Nelson Institute.

 

President Caldwell is an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. He and his wife, Toni Caldwell, Ed.D. candidate, are the parents of two daughters, Brooke and Trinaty, pursuing their bachelor's degrees.