Alan Llavore | Office of Marketing and Communications | (909) 537-5007 | allavore@csusb.edu
Alex Armendariz has been named the new director of Tribal Relations in the Office of Government, Tribal, and Community Relations.
Armendariz brings extensive experience and a deep commitment to serving Native communities throughout California. His background includes Tribal engagement, culturally responsive programming, and initiatives that promote Native student access, retention and success.
This vital position is housed within the Division of University Advancement under the leadership of Marisa V. Yeager, associate vice president for Government and Community Relations. As director, Armendariz will play a central role in strengthening CSUSB’s relationships with Tribal Nations and advancing the university’s commitment to Native student success and community engagement.
Prior to this role, Armendariz served in CSUSB’s Office of Outreach and Student Recruitment as a specialized recruiter focused on Native American students. He has also held key positions supporting Indigenous students and communities, including interim retention coordinator at Cal Poly Pomona’s Native American Student Center, and numerous leadership roles supporting Indigenous youth, families and cultural institutions.
Armendariz’s approach centers Indigenous knowledge systems, Tribal sovereignty and relationship-based engagement — values that will guide his work as he serves as CSUSB’s primary liaison to sovereign Tribal Nations in the region and across California.
In his new capacity, he will:
- Build and sustain respectful, reciprocal relationships with Tribal governments.
- Support Native student access, retention and success in collaboration with university departments and Tribal education partners.
- Manage university compliance with NAGPRA and CalNAGPRA, serving as the regulatory lead for matters involving Native American collections.
- Represent CSUSB in CSU-wide Tribal initiatives and intergovernmental consultation efforts.
- Advise the university president and senior leadership on strategies to advance Tribal engagement and visibility.
- Develop culturally relevant outreach programs and events that strengthen educational pathways for Native students.
CSUSB looks forward to the important work ahead as the university continues to deepen its connection to and collaboration with the sovereign Tribal Nations of the region.