With great sadness, the AISES family announces the passing of our dear friend Irvin Harrison (Diné). An uncompromising champion for Indigenous higher education, Irvin was raised in the Dzilth-Na-O-Dith-Hle (“Revolving Mountain”) area, one of the most sacred places on the Navajo Nation. He passed away on January 18, 2023.

An influential practitioner-scholar, Irvin earned his bachelor’s degree in English at the University of New Mexico, where he excelled, and his master’s at San Diego State University. Irvin was a visionary leader, collaborator, and community builder with a singular focus on the students. He achieved national recognition for his work in higher education advocacy for Indigenous peoples and served as inaugural national chair of the Indigenous Peoples Knowledge Community at NASPA, Student Affairs Administrators in Higher Education. We will long remember his ability to bring people together, especially in his role as advisor to the AISES Chapter at Cal Poly Pomona and his leadership in Region 2. We extend sincere condolences to his partner, Travis Mike, and to his family, friends, and the Navajo Nation.