Karen Francis-Begay, Historian
Karen Francis-Begay is the Special Advisor to the President on Native American Affairs at The University of Arizona (U of A), Tucson. Her primary role is to serve as a key representative and liaison between tribal leaders and the University in efforts to strengthen partnerships and advance mutual goals. Prior to serving as a Special Advisor, Karen was the Director of Native American Student Affairs at The U of A. Other previous work experiences include serving as the Associate Director of the American Indian Language Development Institute (AILDI) and being a Program Coordinator with the Upward Bound and Talent Search Programs at Pima Community College.
Karen earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration and later earned a Master of Arts degree in American Indian Studies, both from the U of A. She is involved with organizations such as the Arizona Tri-Universities for Indian Education, the College Board’s Native American Student Advocacy Institute, and the Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community of NASPA. She was a previous board member of the U of A National Arizona Alumni Association and has held leadership positions with the U of A American Indian Alumni. Karen is a member of the Navajo Tribe originally from Chinle, Arizona.