THACKERVILLE, Okla. — Chickasaw Nation Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby named Dr. Kayla (Lewis) Robinson as the 2026 Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year during the annual Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference conducted May 28-29 at WinStar Resort and Convention Center.
“We have been truly blessed as a nation with numerous talented and selfless women whose contributions have shaped and strengthened the course of our tribe and our country,” Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby said. “This award pays tribute to a Chickasaw woman who has inspired, given hope, and opened new possibilities and opportunities for others through her example.”
As a historically matrilineal tribe, Chickasaw women have had important roles throughout history, Governor Emeritus Bill Anoatubby said.
“We have long valued the strength, wisdom, leadership and skill of our Chickasaw women. In 2006, this award was established to honor our women, and today we proudly celebrate 20 years of recognizing extraordinary women and their extraordinary accomplishments and enduring impacts you make.”
Robinson spent a decade in the classroom serving young learners as a first-grade teacher, reading recovery teacher and literacy coach. Driven to deepen her impact, she pursued a Ph.D. in reading while continuing to support K-12 students. In 2015, she transitioned into higher education, where her influence has only grown. She now directs the School of Special Education, Leadership, and Professional Studies at Missouri State University.
“Her career reflects a lasting dedication to education, literacy and advancing First American representation,” Governor Emeritus Anoatubby said. “She is deeply committed to sharing First American history, culture and contemporary issues with broad audiences.”
Throughout her career, Robinson has delivered nearly 70 First American presentations at the national, state and local levels. Her research highlights the ongoing need for accurate, present-day First American representation in elementary curriculum across all 50 states, and she has championed Indigenous languages and literature, offering educators culturally authentic resources and classroom strategies.
“Her work has been recognized through significant honors, including the 2026 Missouri Association of College and Teacher Education Award for her contributions to diversity, equity and inclusion. Beyond the university, she remains actively engaged in community service, advocacy and professional leadership that continues to uplift First American voices and strengthen cultural understanding,” Governor Emeritus Anoatubby said.
Robinson’s connection to the Dynamic Women of the Chickasaw Nation Conference runs deep. She was first part of a conference panel in 2016 and served as a presenter for the Chikasha Ihoo Empowerment Series in 2023.
Robinson was born in Hutchinson, Kansas, and resides in Ozark, Missouri with her husband and children. Throughout her life, she has demonstrated a deep and lifelong dedication to education, literacy and First American representation.
“I accept this award today not just for the work that I’ve done but as a reminder of the responsibility that we all carry,” Robinson said. “We must honor those who came before us and to continue telling our stories truthfully and ensure our children and grandchildren grow up knowing who they are.”
Robinson said she wants people to understand First American history and “who we are today.”
“We are still here, and that’s my goal in life: to make sure that our people are seen, that people know we are still here, and we are doing great things, accomplishing great things,” she said.
Robinson said she wants teachers to recognize the importance of culturally authentic literature and hopes young Chickasaw girls never question whether they belong in the boardroom, classroom or the conference room table.
“Chickasaw women have always been leaders. Our ancestors survived hardships that many of us cannot even imagine so that we can be here as Chickasaw people. We are speaking our language, telling our stories, raising our children and leading our communities and carrying that culture forward. Now it is our turn to make sure that future generations continue to be seen and heard and be proud of who they are,” Robinson said.
Dynamic Woman of the Year Award
The Chickasaw Nation Dynamic Woman of the Year Award honors Chickasaw women who have made significant contributions to the tribe, serve as role models to other Chickasaw women and have made a difference in the lives of Chickasaws and other citizens, enriching their communities and society at large.
The Dynamic Woman of the Year Award was established in 2006.