Fort Lewis College
Durango, CO
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Fort Lewis College
Experience a unique liberal arts education at the heart of the Four Corners.
Fort Lewis College, nestled in the scenic Durango, Colorado, offers a distinctive public liberal arts education. It stands as the only four-year and graduate studies institution in the vibrant Four Corners region, providing students with unparalleled access to outdoor adventure and a rich cultural landscape. Beyond its stunning location, FLC is deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, reflected in its status as a Native American-Serving, Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and its long-standing provision of tuition-free education for qualified Native American and Alaska Native students.
The college's history is as multifaceted as its landscape, evolving from a U.S. military fort to an Indian boarding school, and ultimately into the dynamic college it is today. This complex past has shaped FLC's present, fostering a unique environment where reconciliation efforts and community engagement are paramount. Today, the college is a proud First Generation-Serving Institution and an emerging Hispanic-Serving Institution, dedicated to supporting a broad spectrum of learners.
Academically, FLC empowers students with a robust liberal arts foundation, preparing them for diverse career paths and engaged citizenship. The college prides itself on a close-knit community where nearly 37% of students are Native American/Alaska Native, representing 166 Tribes and Villages, and 43% are first-generation students. This rich tapestry of backgrounds creates a vibrant and supportive learning environment, ensuring a comprehensive and engaging student experience both inside and outside the classroom. From its historic roots to its forward-looking commitment to equity, Fort Lewis College offers an educational journey unlike any other.
Key Highlights
- ✦Located in Durango, Colorado, the only four-year and graduate studies institution in the Four Corners region.
- ✦Provides tuition-free education to qualified Native American Tribal and Alaska Native Village members, a mandate since 1911.
- ✦A designated Native American-Serving, Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) by the U.S. Department of Education.
- ✦Serves a highly diverse community with 37% Native American/Alaska Native learners and 43% first-generation students.
- ✦First Indigenous person, Heather Shotton (Cheyenne and Kiowa, Wichita & Affiliated Tribes), appointed as college president in 2025.
- ✦Recognized as a First Generation-Serving Institution by the State of Colorado.
Timeline
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