Victoria Sutton

Victoria Sutton is a Visiting Professor at Vermont Law School and active faculty at Texas Tech University (TTU), serving on TTULaw's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee while leading the TTU Indigenous & Native American Studies Circle. A member of the Lumbee Indian Tribe of North Carolina, she holds interdisciplinary expertise spanning law, environmental science, and Indigenous advocacy.

Her educational background includes:

• Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas (1989)
• J.D., magna cum laude, American University Washington College of Law (1998)
• M.P.A., Old Dominion University (1986)
• B.S. in Animal Science and Zoology, Pre-Veterinary, cum laude, North Carolina State University (1977, 1980)

Prof. Sutton's research integrates Indigenous Law, Environmental Law, and Emerging Technologies Law with Science Policy and Native American Studies. She examines legal frameworks at the intersection of technology, environment, and Indigenous rights, contributing to national policy through organizations like the National Congress of American Indians. Her work emphasizes environmental justice and culturally responsive governance models.

She has advised Native American student associations at Texas Tech University and Yale University, and currently develops academic programs through the TTU Indigenous & Native American Studies Circle. Leadership roles include founding membership on the National Congress of American Indians Policy Advisory Board (since 2005), Chair of the American Association of Law Schools Indigenous and Native American Law Section, and Secretary of the National Native American Bar Association.

Prior government service includes Assistant Director in the White House Science Office for environmental science issues, White House-EPA Liaison, and Chief Counsel for the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration. She served as Native American Cultural advisor for a 2018-19 Hollywood musical and was rumored for Biden cabinet consideration in Transportation.