Sweeney Windchief

Dr. Sweeney Windchief is a Professor in the Department of Education at Montana State University, affiliated with the College of Education, Health & Human Development. His work focuses on Indigenous Methodologies, Critical Race Theory in Education, and leadership in tribal colleges and universities (TCUs). He holds a Ed.D. from the University of Utah (2011), M.A. from University of Montana (2004), and B.S. from University of Central Oklahoma (2001).

Research interests include racial equity in higher education, Indigenous knowledge systems, and STEM education access for Native American students. He teaches courses like Indigenous Methodologies in Education Research, Critical Race Theory, and Law & Policy in Higher Education.

Recent scholarship emphasizes integrating Indigenous knowledge into STEM fields, mentorship programs for Indigenous graduate students, and culturally responsive pedagogy. His work has been published in journals such as AlterNative: An International Journal of Indigenous Peoples and International Journal of Multicultural Education.

Award-winning educator, Dr. Windchief has received accolades including the President’s Excellence in Teaching Award (2020) and Outstanding Faculty for Scholarship (2017). He actively contributes to academic service through roles like AERA Distinguished Mentor (2015-2018) and grant reviewer for National Science Foundation initiatives.

Key engagement includes designing programs like the Indigenous Mentoring Program in STEM and collaborating on NSF-funded projects to improve diversity in engineering education. His research bridges traditional knowledge systems with contemporary academic practices, advocating for bicultural accountability in education.