Sunnie Clapsaddle

Sunnie Clapsaddle, a citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, serves as the Administrative Associate for the Office of Sovereign Partnerships and Indigenous Initiatives, Indigenous Studies Program, and the Museum Studies program. Sunnie oversees all administrative needs for the three programs and helps support the work of KU building stronger relationships with tribal nations, Haskell Indian Nations University, and developing culturally responsive programs across the university community that are culturally centered through an Indigenous lens.   

Sunnie has held multiple administrative roles at the University of Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University. She has previously served with the KU HR Transactions, KU Student Engagement Center (formally known as OMA), and Haskell Indian Nations University’s College of Business. Prior to these roles within higher education, Sunnie served as the Executive Assistant to the Cherokee Central Schools Superintendent and School Board and numerous tribal programs in support of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians’ daily operations.

Sunnie’s vast administrative experience in both higher education and in tribal operations as a tremendous asset to the OSPII, ISP and Museum Studies teams. She brings a strong sense of pride to her role and her professional network between KU and Haskell Indian Nations University is critical in aiding in the collaboration and partnership between these two storied institutions of higher learning.