Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University Board of Regents Appoints Karen Breit as President
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University (LCOOU) Board of Regents is pleased to announce the appointment of Karen Breit as the next President of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University, following a vote of the Board held on September 18, 2026. Ms. Breit has served as Interim President since April 2024 and will now assume the role on a permanent basis.
An enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe, Breit brings a long history of service, leadership, and commitment to the university and its students. Since rejoining LCOOU in 2016, she has served in several key leadership positions, including Dean of Students, Chief Business Development Officer, Chart School Compliance Officer, and Chief of Staff, helping guide student success initiatives, enrollment efforts, institutional operations, and community engagement.
"The Board of Regents is proud to appoint Karen Breit as President of Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University," said the Chairman of the Board of Regents. "Throughout her service as Interim President, Karen has demonstrated visionary leadership, a deep commitment to our students, and an unwavering dedication to the mission and values of our institution. Her understanding of our community and her passion for tribal higher education make her the right leader to guide LCOOU into the future."
As Interim President, Breit provided steady and effective leadership while advancing the university's mission of delivering quality higher education grounded in Ojibwe values. Her collaborative leadership style and commitment will serve faculty, staff, students, tribal leaders, and community partners well.
Breit holds a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Social Justice from Northland College, a Master of Arts in Servant Leadership from Viterbo University, and is pursuing an Educational Doctorate at Viterbo University. Throughout her career, she has focused on creating opportunities that generate lasting, positive impacts for students and communities.
“I am deeply grateful for the trust the Board of Regents has placed in me,” said Breit. “Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe University holds a special place in my heart. I am honored to continue working alongside our students, faculty, staff, Elders, and community members as we carry forward the vision and mission dreamed of and created by those who came before us. Together, we will strengthen academic excellence, preserve and promote Ojibwe knowledge, language, and culture, and create opportunities for every student to succeed. Serving this university is both a privilege and a responsibility that I embrace with humility, gratitude, and a deep commitment to our community.”
The Board of Regents expressed its appreciation to the university community for its continued support and engagement throughout the leadership transition process and looks forward to working with President Breit as LCOOU continues to expand educational opportunities and advance its mission for future generations.