School of Journalism Welcomes Ak-Chin Tribal Leader for Campus Visit
The University of Arizona School of Journalism welcomed former Chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community, Robert Miguel, on Nov. 13 for a day of conversation and cultural exchange.
Miguel, hosted by School of Journalism Director Jan Lauren Boyles and Assistant Professor Josh Anderson, toured the School’s broadcast and podcast studios and met with students to discuss his work as a tribal leader and a longtime photojournalist for the Ak-Chin O'odham Runner newspaper.
While visiting the reporting classes of Assistant Professors of Practice Kendal Blust and Patty Machelor, Miguel spoke about the role journalists play in accurately covering Indigenous communities and the importance of intercultural communication.
Robert Miguel speaks to students in an Advanced
Reporting class on Nov. 13, 2025.
Miguel’s visit was organized through a collaboration between the School’s Global Engagement and Culture Committee and the Office of Native American Advancement & Tribal Engagement (NAATE).
"We (NAATE) are excited to partner with the School of Journalism and have former Ak-Chin Chairman Robert Miguel visit our UA community," N. Levi Esquerra, Special Advisor for Native American Advancement and Tribal Engagement, said. "It is important to provide unique opportunities for our students and campus community to hear firsthand from respected Tribal Leaders."