Joe Hiller

Dr. Joe Hiller served over 34 years on the faculty of the Universities of Wyoming, Alaska and Arizona, including service as a department head (twice) and in agriculture college administration. He managed federal agricultural research funding through the Arizona Agricultural Experiment Station and provided national leadership for the Federally Recognized Tribal Extension Program (FRTEP). He trained master’s and doctoral students in agriculture and natural resources fields as well as American Indian Studies. Dr. Hiller earned bachelor’s degrees at South Dakota State University; Master’s and Doctorate in Rangeland Ecology and Watershed Management from the University of Wyoming. He was also awarded an honorary degree in Lakota Leadership from Oglala Lakota College. He is nationally prominent as a land grant university leader working with tribes and tribal colleges, USDA and BIA. Joe served on Boards of the Native American Agriculture Fund; the Indian Land Tenure Foundation and was appointed to the White House Council on Tribal Colleges and Universities. He is a veteran of the US Army Special Forces (retired), having served in conflict areas worldwide.  He is an instrument-rated commercial pilot and journeyman blacksmith and lives in rural northwestern Nebraska.