Dr. Lori V. Quigley, professor and chair of Niagara University’s doctoral program in leadership and policy, received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) on Thursday, Oct. 8, at the organization’s 57th Annual Convention and Trade Show at the Buffalo Convention Center. Two days later, on Saturday, Oct. 10, the Seneca Nation Council presented her with an award in recognition of her NIEA honor and her many accomplishments.
An enrolled member of the Seneca Nation, Wolf Clan, Dr. Quigley has built a career in education spanning more than 40 years. She has achieved the rank of tenured full professor and has served as an academic dean, provost, and president. At Niagara, she leads the leadership and policy doctoral program, and she also advises school districts, colleges, and universities on topics ranging from curriculum development to social justice.
Her research focuses on multigenerational trauma, Indigenous language reclamation, and culturally relevant pedagogy from an Indigenous lens. She served as an advisor for the documentary Unseen Tears: The Impact of Native American Residential Boarding Schools and has published journal articles on the history of the Thomas Indian School, Seneca language curriculum development, and pedagogy. In announcing the Seneca Nation’s recognition, Seneca Media & Communications noted that her work has advanced Native education, strengthened Seneca language initiatives, and deepened understanding of the history of Native American boarding schools.
Dr. Quigley’s service extends well beyond the classroom. She received a U.S. Presidential appointment to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, served two gubernatorial terms on the New York State Minority Health Council, and currently serves as Ombudsperson for the NIEA.
Reflecting on the recognition from the Seneca Nation, Dr. Quigley said, “The honor holds a much deeper meaning when given by one’s community. Forever grateful.” These latest honors join a long list of accolades, including the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Research and Scholarship and Niagara University’s Perboyre and St. Louise de Marillac awards.
