People

Matthew Makomenaw, is the Assistant Dean of Yale College and Director of the Native American Cultural Center. Matthew earned three degrees from Michigan State University: his Bachelor of Arts, in Psychology; his Master of Arts, in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education-Student Affairs; and his Ph.D., in Higher, Adult, and Lifelong Education. His dissertation focused on tribal college transfer student success at four-year Institutions. Over the course of his career, he has created and supported programs to help Native and Indigenous students make the transition to and thrive in college - including summer bridge programs, college access initiatives, pow wows, tribal outreach and student retention and success.

Diana Onco-Ingyadet is Navajo, Kiowa, and Comanche. Diana is of the Reed People Clan, and born for the Comanche Nation. Her maternal grandfather is of the Red Running into the Water Clan, and her paternal grandfather is of the Kiowa Nation. Diana grew up in Norman, OK, but her maternal family is from Monument Valley, UT.

Diana received her bachelor’s degree in Applied Indigenous Studies from Northern Arizona University. She received her master’s degree in Higher and Post-secondary Education from Arizona State University. Diana successfully defended her dissertation in Organizational Change and Leadership from the University of Southern California in December 2019. Diana’s dissertation research focused on Native American/Alaska Native graduation rates and student affairs at a public university.