Chris Nelson

Dr. Chris A. Nelson (she/her) is from the K’awaika (Laguna Pueblo) and Diné (Navajo) tribal communities. She is an associate professor of higher education at the Morgridge College of Education at the University of Denver (DU) and the Native Faculty Director for DU’s Division of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Her research utilizes a blending of critical theory and Indigenous relationality theory to explore the purpose and function of higher education. By addressing the collective and political factors influencing college access and completion for Indigenous college students, Chris strives to uphold the educational aspirations held by Indigenous communities.
Harnessing her 20 years of being a higher education professional and faculty member, she explores how higher education institutions organize and operate to better understand how institutions can live out their commitments to supporting Indigenous visibility and presence. When she isn’t sitting in front of the computer or teaching students, she is a mother to Olin, a partner to talented artist, Johnny, and a cat mom to Lucky Cat & Fletcher. Chris has been an avid player and spectator of soccer since she was 4 years old.