Fort Lewis College logo

Fort Lewis College

Durango, CO

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

Wikipedia
1911
Founded
Public liberal arts college
Type
3,544
Total Students
3,393
Undergrad
152
Graduate
$38M
Endowment
(2025)
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Heather Shotton

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Fort Lewis College

Where history meets innovation: Discover Fort Lewis College's unique legacy in the Four Corners.

Fort Lewis College stands as a distinctive public liberal arts institution nestled in Durango, Colorado, proudly serving as the only four-year and graduate studies college in the expansive Four Corners region. Known for its strong commitment to a holistic education, FLC offers a rich academic experience as a member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges and holds a space-grant affiliation, fostering an environment of discovery and critical thinking.

The college's deep roots trace back to a U.S. military fort, evolving through its time as an Indian boarding school before transforming into the public college it is today. A pivotal moment in its history, a 1911 mandate, ensures perpetual tuition-free education for qualified Native American Tribal and Alaska Native Village members, a legacy that continues to shape its identity and mission. This unique heritage has led to significant reconciliation efforts, including the appointment of Heather Shotton as the first Indigenous president in 2025, marking a new chapter of partnership and understanding.

FLC prides itself on its exceptionally diverse and supportive community. Students join a vibrant campus where 37% are Native American/Alaska Native, representing 166 tribes, alongside 43% first-generation students and 15% Hispanic students. Recognized as a Native American-Serving, Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and a First Generation-Serving Institution, Fort Lewis College is dedicated to empowering a wide array of learners to thrive. The "Skyhawks" embody the spirit of perseverance and community, making Fort Lewis a truly unique place to learn and grow.

Key Highlights

  • Provides tuition-free education to qualified Native American Tribal and Alaska Native Village members, rooted in a 1911 mandate.
  • Serves an exceptionally diverse student body, including 37% Native American/Alaska Native, 43% first-generation, and 15% Hispanic students.
  • Designated as a Native American-Serving, Non-Tribal Institution (NASNTI) and a First Generation-Serving Institution.
  • Located in Durango, Colorado, it is the only four-year and graduate studies institution in the Four Corners region.
  • Led by Heather Shotton, the first Indigenous President, appointed in 2025.
  • Member of the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges, offering a robust liberal arts education.
  • Features a rural, 247-acre campus with the Skyhawks as its mascot, competing in NCAA Division II.

Timeline

1878
First Fort Lewis army post constructed in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.
1891
Fort Lewis decommissioned and converted into a federal Indian boarding school.
1911
Property transferred to Colorado to establish an "agricultural and mechanic arts high school" with a tuition-free mandate for Indian students.
1948
Became Fort Lewis A&M College, under the State Board of Agriculture's control.
1956
College moved from Hesperus to its current location overlooking Durango.
1964
Awarded its first baccalaureate degrees, becoming a four-year institution, and dropped "A&M".
1995
Joined the Council of Public Liberal Arts Colleges.
2002
Became independent of the Colorado State University system with its own Board of Trustees.
2019
Formed the Committee on FLC History to examine its connection to the federal Indian boarding school system.
2025
Heather Shotton named the first Indigenous college president.
🏛️
115 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

via Wikipedia
Heather Shotton
President
Mario Martinez
Provost

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Fort Lewis College

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search