Graduate College Alumna of the Year: Tammi Tiger
Tammi Tiger's transition from a Clark County public servant to a university leader honors her family's roots and builds momentum for the leaders who follow. She is the founding director of UNLV’s Tribal Education Initiative. The College of Hospitality program is endowed by the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and trains Native American students and professionals for leadership roles in tribal gaming, hospitality, and tourism.
She also serves as a commissioner on the governing board of the Nevada Department of Native American Affairs and is vice president of UNLV’s Native American Alumni Club. Her efforts are aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of Tribal communities while opening clear educational paths for students who intend to bring their skills back home.
What does being selected as the 2026 Graduate College Honoree mean to you?
To me, this award signifies that my work has made a positive impact on both Indigenous communities and the broader region. I have been able to use my education to bring greater visibility to Indigenous peoples and drive transformational change. On a personal level, I feel I’ve made my family proud and carried forward our legacy of service.
I’m the eldest of eight siblings and a citizen of The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and descendant of Muscogee and Seminole Nations.The award represents far more than an individual milestone. It honors my family legacy of public service that traces back through generations of leadership as elected Tribal council members in Oklahoma, and in appointed positions as an "urban Native" in Los Angeles.
What brought you to UNLV for your Master of Public Administration, and which faculty members shaped your path?
My graduate journey started when my son moved out of state to attend the University of Oklahoma in 2012. He received a scholarship from our Tribes, and I wanted him to experience university life away from home. At the time, I had spent 14 years with Clark County and knew I needed an advanced degree to qualify for management positions.
Through a partnership between UNLV and the county, I took graduate certificate courses right after work in our county building. That led directly into the MPA program.
Professor Jessica Word guided our capstone project on the public cost of homelessness with Clark County Social Services. Our research resulted in a countywide coordination policy and procedural changes in Public Works that are still in use today. Dr. Word, alongside county leaders Catherine Huang-Hara and Public Works Director Denis Cederburg, helped turn our academic research into practical policy.
As the founding director of the Tribal Education Initiative, what accomplishments are you most proud of?
The systemic changes underway within the Hospitality College and its broader impact on the gaming industry. Tribal gaming represents roughly 45% of gross gaming revenues nationwide, with proceeds reinvested directly into Tribal communities and states.
Through the Tribal Education Initiative, UNLV’s hospitality curriculum now incorporates accredited Tribal operations content, which is taught to students globally. Faculty have welcomed the integration, and industry partners actively support it. We are building a foundation that establishes UNLV as a school of choice for Indigenous students across Indian Country.
Throughout your career, public service has been a consistent thread. Where does that commitment come from?
My people call it Hina Hanta — the Bright Path. It is the way of life for our people to continue, meaning my story includes all the events along that path from thousands of years ago to today. I grew up knowing that a great-great-grandfather was chief of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, which was always a source of pride.
My life choices led me to roles of service that I later realized mirrored those held by my ancestors — from serving as board chair of the Las Vegas Indian Center to state commissioner with the Nevada Department of Native American Affairs. Public service is how I carry our story forward and pave a clearer way for future generations.
