Marilyn Hetzel, Hunkpapa Lakota, is a lecturer in Secondary Education for USU-Uintah Basin. Although Marilyn is new to USU, she served most recently as the Education Director for the Northern Ute Indian Tribe in Northeastern Utah. With her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Kansas State University, Marilyn’s professional and academic background includes experience in secondary science education, genetic and biomedical research, public health, cultural awareness education and Tribal College and Universities teacher preparation. Her work in preparing American Indian/Alaska Native teachers even led to President Bush recognizing her efforts in 2004 during an Executive Order.

Ms. Hetzel’s research interests are in American Indian/Alaska Native teacher preparation in math and science and Higher Education program assessment and evaluation. Additionally, her rich professional experience with the Native American population in Utah will better enable USU to meet critical education needs in the Uintah Basin and across the state. Marilyn is the proud parent of an active reader and curious scientist-Jay Ryder, Aquinnah Wampanoag.