Manoj Patil
Manoj Patil is a dynamic and visionary leader currently serving as the President of Little Priest Tribal College (LPTC) in Winnebago, Nebraska. With over two decades of experience in higher education, administration, and the private sector, Manoj has made significant strides in advancing educational opportunities for Indigenous communities.
At LPTC, Manoj oversees the college's operations, strategic planning, and budgeting, managing a $10 million operation and a $3 million endowment. Under his leadership, the college has nearly doubled its enrollment and programs, tripled the number of graduates, and embarked on several transformative initiatives, including the construction of a $6 million science building and the establishment of a Career and Technical Education (CTE) program. Manoj has established strong relationships with numerous private foundations in Omaha, NE, and has successfully raised over one million dollars for the college. Manoj's commitment to cultural and language preservation is evident through his efforts to bridge relationships between the college, the Tribal Council, and various federal and state agencies.
Before his presidency at LPTC, Manoj held the role of Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs at the college, where he successfully led accreditation processes and created articulation agreements with several universities. His dedication to student success and academic excellence has been a consistent theme throughout his career.
In addition to his work at LPTC, Manoj is the founder and president of New Horizon Tutoring, a company that has provided over 50,000 hours of tutoring to students across the United States. He has also served as Chief Operating Officer and advisor for Sprouter, a social media aggregator app, and has extensive teaching experience as a chemistry instructor at Western Iowa Tech Community College.
A recognized leader in education, Manoj is a member of several professional organizations and advisory boards, including the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC) and the Siouxland Chamber of Commerce. He is also a 2022-2023 Aspen Presidential Fellow, a prestigious program that selects top college presidents nationwide.
Manoj holds a master’s degree in Chemical & Natural Gas Engineering from Texas A&M University, Kingsville, and a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Karnatak University in India, where he graduated at the top of his class.
Manoj’s passion for education, coupled with his extensive experience in administration and teaching, positions him as a leading advocate for accessible, high-quality education that empowers students and strengthens communities.
