KESHENA, WI – Geraldine Sanapaw has been named Chief Academic Officer (CAO) of the College of Menominee Nation (CMN). Under the direction of the President, the CAO is responsible for educational policy and academic programs. This includes, but is not limited to, program review and improvement, accreditation and self-evaluation, assessment of student learning, and advancement of student success. Sanapaw’s transition into permanency in the CAO capacity was confirmed by the College of Menominee Nation Board of Directors on Monday, April 25, 2022.

Sanapaw has been serving as Interim Chief Academic Officer since May 2020. President of the College, Christopher Caldwell, is confident in Sanapaw’s role stating, “CAO Sanapaw has demonstrated a long term commitment and understanding of Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs) as a CMN graduate, employee, and teacher. Her understanding and valuing of  Indigenous cultural influence throughout our institution is also important in how we design academic programs and assess their effectiveness in preparing all CMN students as important parts of their communities. We are an institute of the Menominee people, yet we serve and value a diverse student population that has come to learn from us and with us. “ 

An alumna, Sanapaw began her academic career at CMN receiving her Associate Degree in Business. She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Silver Lake College and a Master’s of Business Administration from Lakeland College. She is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education (EdD) program at Concordia University in Leadership Innovation and Continuous Quality Improvement. 

Sanapaw is familiar with the mission and values of the College and upon acceptance of the position said, “I am looking forward to continuing working with our staff and faculty to support and find new opportunities for our students and the community.” She started at CMN as the Associate Administrator in Academic Affairs in 2005, but has also worked in the departments of Institutional Research and the Registrar. Sanapaw has also served on various committees such as Finance and Planning, Endowment, and Committee on Academics. 

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The College of Menominee Nation is an accredited baccalaureate-level institution chartered by the Menominee People. Campus locations are in Keshena and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Seventy percent of CMN’s alumni are enrolled or descendants of American Indian Tribes with representatives from 36 tribes and bands.