Elder-in-Residence
The Elder-in-Residence is a community elder who offers cultural guidance, mentorship, interfaith and spiritually grounded support, and connection to community for students. This role helps affirm the experiences of American Indian/Alaska Native students, strengthens relationships between the University of Utah and Tribal Nations, and creates opportunities for the broader campus community to learn with respect about Indigenous presence, values, and cultural knowledge.. Overall, the Elder-in-Residence furthers the Center for Native Excellence & Tribal Engagement mission and vision to:
- Affirm Indigenous knowledge and ways of knowing
- Support the well-being and belonging of American Indian and Alaska Native Students
- Raise campus awareness of Indigenous values, histories, and contemporary presence
- Create opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff to engage and learn Support Native communities throughout Utah, in partnership with Native Nations and Urban Indian communities, through research, education, and community outreach.
Joy Grant Bullethead
2025-2026 Elder-in-Residence
Joy was born in Murray and grew up and attended school in West Jordan, Utah. Joy and her husband, Jonas Grant-Bullethead, have made their home in Fort Duchesne, where they raised their five children in Hilltop.
Joy shares teachings of the Ute people, with a focus on language, history, and community responsibility. In her role, she strengthens connections between the University of Utah and Native communities throughout the state, and creates respectful opportunities for all students, faculty, and staff to learn from Indigenous knowledge and living traditions.
Joy describes her work in this way: her goal is not to stand above anyone or below anyone, but to walk together among people.