Sherri Thomas Associate Dean of Institutional Climate and Equity Professor of Law | UNM School of Law Clinical Programs
Professor Sherri Thomas has been appointed as the new Director of the Law and Indigenous Peoples Program (LIPP) at the School of Law. She takes over from Professor Aliza Organick, who is retiring this summer.
Professor Organick expressed her confidence in Thomas, stating, “I couldn't be happier knowing that Professor Sherri Thomas will be taking over as Director of the LIPP at the School of Law. Professor Thomas brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and insight to this important position. I have no doubt she will continue to lead the way supporting and providing invaluable guidance to our students as they navigate the Indian Law program at UNM. The School of Law is incredibly fortunate to have Professor Thomas in this role.”
The LIPP offers both Native and non-Native students an opportunity to specialize in U.S. Federal Indian law through the Indian Law Certificate. It is a crucial part of the School's curriculum, addressing complex legal, political, and cultural issues affecting tribal nations.
Thomas brings extensive personal and professional experience in Indian law to her new role. She currently serves as Assistant Director of the School's Library and teaches Legal Research courses, including one on Indian Law Research. She is also recognized for her contributions to Tribal legal materials citation rules.
A 2005 graduate of the School of Law with an Indian Law Certificate (now LIPP Certificate), Thomas is an enrolled member of Taos Pueblo and was raised on the Diné (Navajo) Reservation. Her background uniquely qualifies her to lead LIPP in its mission to educate future leaders in Indian law.
Thomas expressed her excitement about her new role: “I’m truly honored and excited to step into the role of Director of the Law and Indigenous Peoples Program! Founded in 1992 by Professor Emerita Gloria Valencia-Weber as the Indian Law Certificate Program, LIPP continues to be a program that explores the legal issues affecting Indigenous peoples locally, nationally, and around the world."
She outlined her vision for LIPP: “During my tenure, my vision is to center the academic and professional success of Indigenous law students and their allies by creating a sustainable and provocative curriculum... This community-centered approach is all about connection and collaboration—using synergy to help our students succeed.”
