Matthew Makomenaw is an assistant dean of Yale College, director of the Native American Cultural Center, and a Trumbull Fellow. Matthew earned his Ph.D. in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education from Michigan State University. He is an enrolled member of the Grand Traverse Bay Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians tribal nation in Michigan. Previously, Matthew worked at the American Indian College Fund, leading a Mellon Foundation grant to address educational equity and access for Native American students; he was also a director for the American Indian Resource Center at the University of Utah, director for the Native American Programs office at Central Michigan University, and an assistant professor of Native American Studies at Montana State University.
His research focuses on tribal college transfer student success at four-year institutions, student success and retention, and Native American leadership. Over the course of his career, Matthew has created and supported programs to help Native and Indigenous students make the transition to and thrive in college, including summer bridge programs, college access initiatives, tribal outreach, and programs to enhance student retention and success. While at Yale, Matthew has directed the Cultural Connections orientation program and is currently directing Yale Reserved, a Camp Yale program for students who are quiet, reflective, and embrace moments of solitude.