Minthorn recognized with 2021 UW Tacoma Community-Centered Award

Dr. Robin Zape-tah-hol-ah Minthorn, Associate Professor, EdD Program Director, and Director of Indigenous Educational Partnerships in the School of Education, is the recipient of the UW Tacoma 2021 Community-Centered Award, which was awarded by the Office of Community Partnerships.

Dr. Ali Modarres, Assistant Chancellor of Community Partnerships and Dean of Urban Studies at UW Tacoma, writes:

This award recognizes your lifelong commitment to community engagement which can best be described as community-centered and in the community. We are delighted that you have brought your passion and commitment to working in indigenous communities from New Mexico to the Pacific Northwest. Your approach is informed by inclusivity and co-creation, helping break barriers between university and community. These efforts embody the spirit of community engagement, not the least of which is to foster transformative and engaging experiences for students and community members.

Dean of the School of Education at UW Tacoma, Dr. Rachel Endo, also writes:

Dr. Minthorn has created and nurtured vital partnerships that center ancestral and intergenerational knowledge. Her tireless efforts with the community and tribal leaders led to the creation of the first Indigenous-based doctoral cohort at UW in UW Tacoma’s EdD program. The Muckleshoot cohort launched this summer 2020 with 15 students, the majority of whom are Native American women. Unique features of the Muckleshoot cohort include centering and integrating Indigenous pedagogies and perspectives throughout coursework, practicum, and the dissertation in practice... UW Tacoma is most fortunate to have Dr. Minthorn as part of our campus community. She actively models culturally sustainable community engagement in its truest form.