Glenn L. Emmons

Glenn Leonidas Emmons (1895–1980) was an American banker and politician who served as the Commissioner of the Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1953 to 1961 under President Dwight D. Eisenhower, succeeding Dillon S. Myer. in addition, he was a candidate for Governor of New Mexico in 1944.

Personal life Emmons was born in 1895 in Alabama to John Davidson Emmons (June 30, 1853 - unknown), and Martha Jane Emmons (March 22, 1865 - unknown). He had 8 siblings. his family moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1905, Where he learned in a public school, and subsequently attended the University of New Mexico

In 1917, he left university to serve in World War I, and served in the United States Army until he was discharged in 1929, he served as a first lieutenant in the Air Corps. After he was discharged, he moved to Gallup, New Mexico, where he worked in the banking business, chairing the board of the First State bank of Gallup, as well as being its chairman, from 1935 to 1964

As Commissioner, he was directed to enact programs designed to bring tribal groups to a level where they would need only minimal federal assistance. Emmons' programs effectively increased federal assistance to Indians. Under Emmons' leadership, the Bureau of Indian Affairs health programs were transferred to the U.S. Public Health Service, which would result in improved services to Indians. Emmons increased government funding for education, particularly for the Navajo. His programs included converting mobile home trailers into schools and encouraging public schools to admit Indian children. Emmons also instituted adult education classes, primarily to teach English language skills to adult Indians, and initiated vocational job training programs, he also advocated reclamation of Indian lands, and encouraged development of industry, including oil, uranium, and coal leasing.