President
Dr. Russell Swagger is the President of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. He is an enrolled member of the St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. His Great Grandmother’s Family (Sarah Winters) were enrolled members of the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Tribe. President Swagger has worked in the field of tribal higher education for 30 years with a primary focus on student services and senior administration. He earned his Ph.D. from Capella University, a degree of Master in Management from University of Mary in Bismarck, N.D., a Bachelor of Science degree from Minot State University, and an Associate degree from United Tribes Technical College. With accumulated experiences from two other tribal colleges, he also served as a CEO of a homeless shelter for a year and a half. President Swagger strongly believes in lifelong education because it improves and saves lives, especially of Native American people. He is often heard saying “We don’t have time” as a reference to the need for Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University to educate and lift people up to prevent high risk situations that can destroy lives.
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University team offers educational opportunities that act as positive interventions to create stronger and healthier communities where prosperity and wellness is possible for all.