NWIC Honors Women’s History Month by Celebrating Historic Inauguration of President Dr. Lexie Tom
As the month of March comes to an end, Northwest Indian College would like to take a moment to celebrate our President Dr. Lexie Tom (Doxwelitse), in honor of Women’s History Month.
Dr. Tom made history on September 11, 2025, when she was inaugurated as the first Lummi Nation Citizen to serve as President of Northwest Indian College.
In her inauguration speech given at NWIC’s Health & Wellness Center on Lummi Campus, Dr. Tom reminded those in attendance of the historic journey the Lummi Nation started back in the 1970s that has led to the strength of the institution today. What started as the Lummi Indian School of Aquaculture (LISA), where tribal members had opportunities for vocational training in aquaculture, became a model for self-determination and a reminder of the value of education for the Nation.
As LISA transitioned into Lummi Community College and then Northwest Indian College, former presidents Dr. Robert Lorence, Dr. Tommy Lewis Jr., Cheryl Crazy Bull, and Dr. Justin Guillory, helped grow Lummi Nation’s vision to provide higher education opportunities throughout Indian Country.
“Northwest Indian College became the higher education institution it is today because of a shared vision of education as a priority in Lummi. Lummis throughout history believed in this vision. The late Willie Jones Sr. told the story of traveling to Washington D.C. to advocate for the funding to start the college training programs and how he went door to door recruiting students to enroll in classes,” said Dr. Tom in her inauguration speech.
As we look back on the historic September day at the NWIC Health & Wellness Center, we remember and celebrate the milestone moments that have made NWIC what it is today.
“We witnessed history as Dr. Lexie Tom became the first Lummi tribal member to serve as President of Northwest Indian College. Her leadership fulfills our elders’ vision and marks a proud milestone for Lummi Nation and all Indigenous peoples who see NWIC as a beacon of sovereignty and self-determination.” said Lummi Nation Chairman Tony Hillaire.
Throughout NWIC, our Extended Campus Sites, Lummi Nation, and Indian Country, we celebrate Women’s History Month and leaders like Dr. Tom.
“We have the people, passion, and strategic mindedness to advance Northwest Indian College into the future and the cultural groundedness to stay aligned with the shared vision that got us here. It’s an exciting time for Northwest Indian College and it’s an exciting time for education,” Dr. Tom said.
