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A citizen of the Muscogee Nation and a proud Oklahoma State University graduate, Mr. Azbell previously worked for the Tribe for over a decade with stints in the District Court, Cultural Affairs, and Department of Interior. With a BS in Environmental Science (College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources) and a master’s in political science (Public Administration/Public Policy), Mr. Azbell is well suited to lead our Extension Program. To diversify his experience, Christopher spent the last five years working for HF Sinclair where he started off as a Crude Unit Operator and progressed to Senior HR Business Partner for the organization.
After graduating high school in Tecumseh, Oklahoma, Lacey Azbell earned a bachelors degree in Journalism from the University of Oklahoma. She made her way to Okmulgee, Oklahoma in the fall of 2009, where she currently still lives and raises her family. Lacey completed a master’s degree in Administrative Leadership at the University of Oklahoma in the spring of 2017. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies at Oklahoma State University.
Working with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Lacey quickly became acclimated to the unique cultural dynamics of the area. She started working at the College of the Muscogee Nation as Research Specialist in 2013. In that role, Lacey worked primarily on the college’s accreditation process, which led to Initial Accreditation in fall 2016. Working with departments to align their processes with Higher Learning Commission policies allowed Lacey to develop a system-wide understanding of how departments work together for institution-wide improvement.
Moving from Research Specialist into the Financial Aid Coordinator role in 2019, Lacey was able to work closely with students as they worked to achieve their educational goals. She learned how to assist students and their parents as they navigated the complexities of financial aid, while maintaining institutional compliance with Title IV regulations. In fall 2021, she moved from Financial Aid Coordinator to the Registrar position. This has allowed her to work with students as they prepare for graduation, and ensures that student records are complete and available as students complete their education at CMN.
Included in her committee work at CMN, Lacey has chaired the IRB and Publications Committees, co-chaired the Initial Accreditation Steering Committee, and participated on the Garden Advisory Committee, Curriculum Committee, Grade Appeal Committee, Achieving the Dream Committee, and numerous ad-hoc committees. She also currently is a member of the Executive Leadership Group at CMN, and is involved in the ongoing Strategic Planning currently happening on campus.
Linette Factor is Muscogee (Creek) from the Broken Arrow Tribal Town and is Nokosvlke (Bear Clan). She graduated from OSU-Okmulgee with an Associate in Applied Science in Accounting, Bacone College with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, College of the Muscogee Nation with an Associates of Arts in Native American Studies, and Northeastern State University with a Master of Business Administration. She is currently enrolled at Grand Canyon University, where she is pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration.
Linette has been employed with the College of the Muscogee Nation since July 2013. She served as an Accounting Specialist for eight years before being promoted to Accounting Manager, where she worked for nine months before being selected as Director of Business Affairs. Her professional experience began with the Muscogee (Creek) Nation a year after graduating high school. She has worked within the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s Housing Division, Payroll Department, and Tax Commission, where she gained experience in tribal government.
Linette enjoys volunteering in the community and has served previously on the Okmulgee Indian Community’s Board of Directors as Treasurer and Secretary. She is currently a member of the Okmulgee Johnson O’Malley Parent Committee, where she has served as Member-At-Large and is currently Secretary. In addition, she is a member of Nuyaka Indian Baptist Church and helps her mother, Irene Washington, Women’s Leader, at Artussee Indian Baptist Church.
In addition to her duties as the Director of Business Affairs, Linette participates in the following committees: HEERF Emergency Assistance Committee, Accreditation Steering Committees for Reaffirmation Federal Compliance and Initial Accreditation Criterion Two, Graduation Committee, Fall Fest Committee, Institutional Outcome Subcommittee, and participated in the Leadership Class.
Linette and her husband, Brian, have one son. She has lived in Okmulgee since 1979 and enjoys spending time with her family and attending church.
Patricia Farrell is a Case Manager and Civil Rights Compliance Coordinator in Health & Wellness for Mvskoke Etvlwv Nakcokv Mvhakv Svhvlwecvt (College of the Muscogee Nation). She is from Dewar, Oklahoma, and Mvskoke (Creek). Patricia is from the Racoon Clan (Wotkvlke).
She has worked in higher education for approximately five years and with the state and federal government for nineteen years. Pat has a bachelor’s degree in Human Services Counseling from East Central University and a Master’s in Rehabilitation Education from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. Pat is pursuing a doctorate in Adult Education & Lifelong Learning at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She is also enrolled at the College of the Muscogee Nation, pursuing a teaching certificate in the Mvskoke Language.
Pat has been married to her husband, Charles, for twenty-nine years and has two daughters. She and her husband live in Kiefer, Oklahoma. Pat is a huge football fan of the OU Sooners and Dallas Cowboys. Besides football, she enjoys bicycling, camping, and golfing.
Danielle Fixico is a Chickasaw, Muscogee, and Choctaw artist from Morris, Oklahoma. She has received a Master of Fine Arts degree in painting from the University of Oklahoma, where she also received her B.A. degree in Native American studies. She is an alumnus of the College of the Muscogee Nation, where she is now a general studies instructor. Danielle was a 2022-2023 Center for Native American Youth Remembering Our Sisters fellow. Her work has been featured in the Tribal College Journal, publications from the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center, and is used for the May 5th National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW). She has been exhibited in shows at the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art, the Cherokee Heritage Center, In Your Eye Gallery, Chokma’si Gallery, the Five Civilized Tribes Museum, MainSite Gallery, Tulsa Living Arts Center, and Exhibit C Gallery. Danielle is also a published illustrator for the book Little Big Girl by Amanda Cobb-Greetham.
Mike Flud is a lifelong resident of Okmulgee County and a dedicated public servant with deep roots in education and tribal leadership. He holds a B.A. and M.A. in Education as well as an M.S. in Counseling from Northeastern State University. Mike served on the Supreme Court of the Muscogee Nation for 24 years and has held key leadership roles including Director of Education and Chief of Staff for the Muscogee Nation. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Regents for the College of the Muscogee Nation, continuing his commitment to advancing education and tribal governance.
Dr. Dean M. Hughes is an experienced educator and HR professional with a distinguished career spanning over four decades. A proud member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, Dr. Hughes holds a B.S. in Education from the University of Oklahoma, an M.A. in Special Education Administration, and a Doctorate in Education Administration from the University of South Dakota. He has served as a Superintendent of Schools for 25 years, and has also worked as an Assistant Superintendent, Principal, and classroom teacher for 10 years. Most recently, he served as HR Manager for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation for 6 years. Dr. Hughes holds certifications in Elementary/Middle School teaching and School Administration. He is also an active member of professional and civic organizations including CCOSA, AASA, Kiwanis, and the Chamber of Commerce.
Bailey Janway is an Instructor at the College of the Muscogee Nation. She began her role in August of 2024. Bailey holds a Bachelor of Science in Athletic Training from East Central University as well as a Master of Science in Health and Kinesiology from Northeastern State University. Bailey is a Muscogee (Creek) Nation citizen. She resides in Okmulgee with her husband and two young sons.
James King graduated from Okemah High School in 1964. James completed his Bachelor’s Degree at East Central State University in 1968; his Master’s from the University of Minnesota in 1973, and a Doctorate of Education at Oklahoma State University in 1986.
While at the University of Minnesota in 1973, he developed a plan for a college for the Muscogee Creek Nation as an assignment in a graduate class in Two Year Community Colleges. This paper served as the foundational concept for the College of the Muscogee Nation.
James has always been committed to serving in the field of education, beginning his professional service with the Indian Division of the Oklahoma State Department of Education. Later, he was employed with the National Indian Education Association as a Teacher Training Program Assistant, and continued his professional career in the Administration of the Muskogee (Creek) Nation as the Head of Planning and later the Director of Human Development. James was also General Manager/Vice-President for a consulting firm that provided technical assistance to Indian tribes. While at OSU, he was a Research Assistant in international education, training education administrators and instructors from Jordan.
From 1986 until his retirement in 2003, James served as a Professor of Educational Research in the Graduate College at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. James earned a reputation among his peers and students as a dedicated teacher and professional; counseling and mentoring hundreds of Graduate Students, assisting them in their successful completion of Graduate Degrees. These same students are now making major contributions in the field of education throughout the nation.
While at Northeastern State Dr. King served on Committees for North Central Accreditation, NCATE, Tenure and Promotion, and the Annual Indian Symposium. He also co- chaired the College of Education Research Conference and was a member of the Graduate Council. Additional professional experiences include serving on the Trade and Commerce Board for the Muscogee Nation and Community Relations Board for Sequoyah High School.
James’ other professional achievements during his career include: Evaluator for teacher training programs, Native language projects and bilingual education activities. James also served as a delegate on Libraries and Information Services for the Oklahoma Governor’s Conference. He was a committee member on Native Americans and Reading for the International Reading Association and on the Human Relations Commission for the OEA. The State House of Representatives recognized him for his work on the Minority Needs Assessment Committee, organized to increase the number of minority teachers in Oklahoma schools.
Community service activities James participated in include: Okfuskee County Community Action Program Board, volunteer coach for the Okemah Little League, Creek Nation Olympics, Oklahoma Advisory Council for Indian Education, and President of QuESTT Inc. (a community based agency serving disadvantaged youth). For his work with the community, James received a Distinguished Leadership Recognition Award from the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and was inducted into the Okemah Hall of Fame and received the Living Legend recognition from the Muscogee Nation.
Dr. King facilitated the development of the beginning phase for the CMN campus building program; initiated implementation of the college systems; and served as chair for CMN accreditation. James’ work at the tribal college began by serving as the first president of the College of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and currently continues in his current positions as Regents Director of Institutional Effectiveness and Accreditation Liaison Officer.
Kathy McCormack is the Admissions Officer for Mvskoke Etvlwv Nakcokv Mvhakv Svhvlwecvt (College of the Muscogee Nation). She moved back home to Okmulgee to serve Mvskoke people. She has a strong belief in the power of education to positively impact lives and future generations. She often shares her experience in her own academic struggle, and how education positively impacted her life. By sharing her story, she becomes an example and mentor for students, inspiring them to not give up on their education.
Mrs. McCormack holds an Associate in Applied Science, in Computer Information Systems, and Enterprise Development with Honors from Oklahoma State University (Okmulgee, Ok), a Bachelor and Master of Science in Business Administration from Southern Nazarene University (Tulsa, Ok). Kathy was inducted into Delta Mu Delta honor society. She continues to be a lifelong learner with multiple professional development activities. Mrs. McCormack attends national conferences and workshops. She is an active member of the National and Regional Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers.
Kathy has dedicated nearly twenty years to the field of education; 13 of which have been with CMN. She believes in providing great customer service and utilizes the CMN core values Vrakkueckv (respect), Fvtcetv (integrity), and Eyasetv (humility) while helping others navigate complex processes. Prior to coming to CMN, she served as a Process Engineer helping companies redesign information systems, which allowed her to be an active participant at CMN in the implementation of student information systems in an ever-evolving digital age. Mrs. McCormack has worked diligently to improve processes and remove barriers to enrollment.
Kathy’s education and work experience have provided her with opportunities to serve on the Executive Leadership team. Mrs. McCormack is active on many committees at the college, including Achieve the Dream. She chaired criterion two of the accreditation committee for the Higher Learning Commission and is currently participating in En Nenne Hecetv (strategic planning) for our tribal college.
Mrs. McCormack is a Mvskoke citizen, a proud descendant from the Cox family bloodline, and a member of the Wotkvlke (raccoon clan). She resides in Okmulgee, Oklahoma on our reservation lands.
Sharon Fife Mouss, of the Wotkvlke Clan and Tukvpvtce Tribal Town, is a charter member of the Board of Regents for the College of the Muscogee Nation, serving since its founding in 2005. An alumna of Chilocco Indian Agricultural School and a 2014 inductee into its Hall of Fame, she holds a B.A. in English and an M.S. in Trade and Industrial Education from Oklahoma State University. Sharon taught Composition and Technical Writing at OSU Institute of Technology for 25 years, earning the OSU Regents Distinguished Teaching Award in 2002 before retiring in 2007. A freelance writer and editor, she focuses on histories, cultural works, and educational texts. Since 2015, she has served as a Women’s Leader at Thewarle Indian Baptist Church. She and her husband Ed live in Henryetta, Oklahoma, and have two daughters, a son, and a grandson.
Cheryl Najera is a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. She has been with the College of the Muscogee Nation for nine years and currently serves as the Program Coordinator, Advisor, and Instructor for the Criminal Justice Program. She holds a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Northeastern State University (NSU) and a Master of Legal Studies degree in Indigenous Peoples Law from the University of Oklahoma (OU), College of Law. Cheryl is currently a doctoral student at Oklahoma State University working on a Doctor of Forensic Science.
Cheryl has spent over 20 years working in Indian Country both for the Muscogee Creek Nation and the Choctaw Nation. During this time, she has worked with indigenous youth and young adults. Cheryl founded the ACJA-LAE chapter of the criminal justice student organization Nu Omega Lambda Omicron (NOLO), is a member of the American Society of Criminology (ASC), the American Criminal Justice Association (ACJA-LAE), and the Alpha Phi Sigma Theta Mu National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
In Cheryl’s spare time, she is a photographer with several award-winning pieces. Cheryl’s photo “We see you” #MMIW recently won the 2021 Thunder Indigifest Photography category for advocacy in the Faculty/Staff Tribal College category and her 2022 submission “Spirit Sees Red” won in the Faculty/Staff audience choice category. Her photography focuses on Indigenous people and strives to bring awareness to the National Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and People epidemic.
Cheryl’s time at the College of Muscogee Nation has been spent investing in the future of the students. She has a genuine passion for her field of study in Criminal Justice and a love for the students. Cheryl believes in equipping her students with knowledge and experience to further their futures and make a difference within the community and our tribal nation.
Levi Payne is the Lead Security Officer for the College of the Muscogee Nation, with 11 ½ years of service to the campus and 15 + total years in the Security industry. His hometown is Okmulgee, Oklahoma. Levi has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, a certificate in Emergency Management from Northeastern State University, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, and local business owner.
His work in Campus Security includes Chair of the CMN Campus Safety Committee, development of policy and procedures for Security Staff, maintaining campus safety and compliance, certified CPR, First Aid, AED Instructor, QPR (Suicide Prevention) Instructor, Bystander Intervention Trainer, ALICE Instructor, and currently working to achieve IACLEA (International Association of Campus Law Enforcement and Administrators) accreditation for CMN Security.
Currently, Levi lives in Boynton, Oklahoma. He enjoys spending time with his kids, family and friends, serving in ministry, fishing, farming, learning new things, fitness, and sharing knowledge with others.
Dr. Monte Randall is Muscogee (Creek) from the Talladega Tribal Town and Deer Clan. He is a veteran of the United States Navy and the Oklahoma Army National Guard. Monte is a graduate of Haskell Indian Nations University, the University of Oklahoma, and Oral Roberts University, where he received a doctorate in educational leadership. He resides in Glenpool, OK, with his wife Lauren and three children.
Dr. Randall’s research interest focuses on Native American culture, problem-solving abilities, and leadership. His dissertation correlated the significance of cultural learning in overcoming the impacts of historical trauma of Native American students. Dr. Randall is the fifth President at the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN). He has worked extensively at CMN as the Dean of Academic Affairs, Dean of Student Affairs, Tribal Services Instructor, and Research Specialist. While at CMN, Dr. Randall developed the federal financial aid policies, Office of Student Affairs, academic assessment plan, and contributed to CMN’s accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission.
Dr. Monte Randall is an Aspen Institute and Andrew W. Mellon Foundation Fellow, and contributor to the Tribal College Journal. He volunteers as a community leader with Glenpool Public Schools, Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, and the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Dr. Randall regularly presents topics relating to Native American education, culture, and leadership within the community.
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Katie Sanford has been a security officer with the College of the Muscogee Nation for 6 ½ years. She is a College of the Muscogee Nation alumni and has an associate degree in Police Science. Katie is CPR certified, is an Alice instructor and has a CLEET armed certification to be armed security.
Angie Sexton is a STEM Instructor and chair of the Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Risk Management Committee where she leads the efforts in promoting safe and responsible drone technology. With a Master’s in Mathematics Education, Bachelor of Science Degree, and STEM Certificates from Northeastern State University, she brings a culturally responsive approach to teaching, blending traditional knowledge with modern STEM principles. As a member of Kappa Delta Pi international honor society, Angie is passionate about empowering students and advancing education that honors both academic excellence and community values.
In addition to her teaching and leadership roles, Angie has been published in various mathematical teaching journals and articles, contributing research paper that explores innovative “Building Thinking Classroom” methods in mathematics education. Outside the classroom, Angie is an avid dog lover and enjoys growing and making her own food, including spices, as well as canning. Her personal passion for sustainability and self-sufficiency reflects her holistic approach to both life and learning, always seeking ways to integrate practical skills with academic and professional growth.
Mekko Tyner is Muscogee (Creek), Shawnee, and Seneca and currently serves as the Dean of Academic Affairs at the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN). Dean Tyner has served in various capacities including Registrar and Instructor at CMN for over 14 years. Along with his duties as the Dean, he chairs the Assessment Academy Team and Curriculum Committee. Mekko serves on the HLC Accreditation Committee, CMN Cultural Community Garden Committee, and as Project Director for two NIFA grants. Mr. Tyner enjoys teaching and learning about his tribal heritage, especially corn.
Mekko has obtained a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Haskell Indian Nations University and later received his Juris Doctorate from the University of Kansas. He earned a Certificate in Mvskoke Language Studies from CMN. Mr. Tyner’s research interest includes tribal ecological knowledge, sustainable food sources within tribal communities, and assessment of tribal colleges. Dean Tyner’s publications include articles in the Tribal College Journal.
Mekko and his wife, Dawn, have six children and reside in Kiefer, Oklahoma.
Krystal Wind is the Dean of Student Affairs at the College of the Muscogee Nation (CMN) and has served in her role for eight years. Ms. Wind resides in Morris, OK with her daughter, is a citizen of the Muscogee Nation, Thloptholocco Tribal Town, and is Nokosvlke (bear clan). She graduated from CMN before continuing her education at the University of Oklahoma earning a Bachelor of Arts in Human Relations and then a Master of Arts in Administrative Leadership. Ms. Wind is a member of the Morris Johnson O’Malley Committee, Okmulgee Chamber of Commerce, and Oklahoma’s Council on Student Affairs and the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Colton Wood is an English Professor at the College of the Muscogee Nation working to improve student writing with various teaching methods. He focuses on student engagement and flexibility to improve student participation. Colton Wood is currently working on his dissertation focusing on Indigenous student success at predominantly white universities. He cosponsors the tribal leadership circle and is the secretary of the faculty council. Colton is finishing his doctorate in educational leadership at Southern Nazarene University.
Matthew Yates serves as the Tribal Services Coordinator at the College of the Muscogee Nation. Mr. Yates aims to produce exemplary curricula and courses that equip students to enter careers that address the evolving needs of our Native communities. Mr. Yates is academic advisor for the Tribal Services program, president of the faculty council, co-sponsor of the Tribal Leadership Circle student organization, and serves as a faculty advisor and certified leadership course instructor for Phi Theta Kappa international honor society. Mr. Yates is a member of Delta Mu Delta international business honor society and Alpha Chi national college honor society. He is a Doctor of Business Administration candidate at Oklahoma Wesleyan University.
