Tia Thompson Early
Biography – July /2024
Working in different management positions within the San Carlos Apache Tribe, most may remember her many years with the Apache Gold Casino Resort Marketing Department, managing the Bylas Community Marketplace, being an Assistant SCTI Project Coordinator, or even as the Apache Clan Project Coordinator with the San Carlos Apache Culture Center and her cultural work with the Archaeology/Tribal Historic Preservation Office, but she is now employed with the San Carlos Apache College. At the San Carlos Apache College, Tia says, “It has been a blessing to be able to visit, share, and meet with our community members and hear their stories and all of their cultural knowledge as well as incorporate these ideas and learning modules within the collegiate arena as our new, Cultural Education Coordinator and Executive Assistant of Academics.” While at San Carlos Apache College, Tia has developed and worked on integrating more cultural experiences and opportunities for our students, staff, and community members. She believes that developing cultural events for our students and community is precious, and it is something that Mrs. Early is very passionate about. When she partners with other departments and agencies to create a new event or cultural experience, she always looks forward to the community and student experience as we share the goal of “Building a Home Together For Lifelong Learning.”
After she began employment with San Carlos Apache College, Tia also returned to school. She obtained her Associate of Liberal Arts degree from San Carlos Apache College and her Bachelor of Science in Business from the University of Phoenix. She continues her education with the University of Phoenix in her Masters of Business program and aims to work toward a Ph.D. in American Indian Studies or other Innovative Leadership Studies to help her community and Apache people. Love and sincere thoughts are shared with her family and extended family, who contribute to her passion for our Apache Culture and People. She says she would not be who she is and share what she can without her family and friends’ love, influence, and support.