Karen J. Breit, Manidoo Gabaawiikwe, is President of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University and an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians.

With more than two decades of experience in tribal college administration, student services, workforce development, and community engagement, Karen has dedicated her higher education career to expanding educational opportunities for students and strengthening tribal communities. Her leadership reflects a steadfast commitment to service, cultural stewardship, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed and thrive.

Throughout her career at Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, Karen has held several key leadership positions, including Chief of Staff, Dean of Students, and Chief Business Development Officer. In each role, she has worked collaboratively to expand educational access, support student achievement, foster institutional growth, and strengthen partnerships that benefit students and communities.

As President, Karen is committed to honoring and carrying forward the vision and mission dreamed of and created by the University's founders and all those who came before us and contributed to its growth. She believes in preserving and promoting Ojibwe knowledge, language, and culture while ensuring future generations have access to transformative educational opportunities rooted in Indigenous values and excellence.

Karen holds a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University, a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Justice from Northland College and is a proud alumna of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University. She is honored to serve the institution that helped shape her journey and remains dedicated to empowering students, strengthening communities, and advancing the University's mission for generations to come.

Our credentialed faculty are real people in our community who share great passion and expertise with our students. Our caring staff work together to support and encourage our students to achieve any educational or training goals they set for themselves. Our institution builds bridges of understanding among non-native people and holds space for native people to increase their knowledge of Ojibwe culture, history, and language, sometimes reconnecting them with their cultural heritage for the first time. I have witnessed time and again the power of this place to change the lives of students who come through these halls. So, I ask…

Why not Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University?

Professional interest includes placing my energy and experience in places that will have lasting, positive impact.