Central ND News

The Sitting Bull College community is mourning the loss of Ron His Horse is Thunder, who passed away on March 26, 2025, at the age of 67. He passed away on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana. Ron served as the College's President from 1992 to 1994, and after a brief period as CEO of the American Indian College Fund, he returned as President in 1996. He held the presidency until 2005, the same year he was elected Chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. It was under his leadership in 1996 that the institution transitioned from Standing Rock College to Sitting Bull College.

Ron was a student at the College and took on the role of Title III Director before becoming President. During his time leading Sitting Bull College, he also contributed as a commissioner for the Higher Learning Commission for North Central Accreditation, and he served on boards for the American Indian Higher Education Consortium and the North Dakota Tribal College Association.

In 2002, he was appointed by President George W. Bush as Chairman of the President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities. He also held the position of Chairman of the Great Plains Tribal Chairmen’s Association.

One of Ron’s key achievements was his role in developing the current Sitting Bull College campus. He initiated a capital campaign that raised $40 million for new campus construction. This was complemented by special congressional appropriations, grants, and a $4 million contribution from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. His efforts resulted in the completion of phase one of the College’s infrastructure, which included student housing, a cultural center, and two academic buildings.

Under his leadership, the College maintained good standing with its accrediting body, the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. His strategic planning led to the introduction of the College's first Bachelor's degrees in Education and Business.

Ron was known for his optimistic perspective, seeing the glass "half full" rather than "half empty." His leadership has left an enduring legacy at Sitting Bull College. The College announced it will close on Friday, April 4, to allow faculty, staff, and students to honor his memory.