Mission

The mission of the Center for Tribal Studies is centered upon Northeastern State University's commitment to excellence in academic quality, scholarly engagement, leadership, cultural enrichment, and service. The Center for Tribal Studies mission has an interdisciplinary focus that also recognizes the diversity of tribal nations, communities, cultures, and languages. The mission serves the following purposes:

• To implement student programs that support and nurture personal development and academic success in higher education.
• To provide outreach programs which encourage American Indian students to excel in school and to pursue higher education.
• To partner with tribes in programs that meet educational, professional development, and other mutually beneficial needs.
• To facilitate appropriate design and implementation of research and other projects on issues and concerns which impact the quality of life for tribal peoples.
• To facilitate symposia, conferences, and forums that present issues and topics relevant to American Indians and other tribal peoples.
• To partner with the NSU Sequoyah Institute and other campus programs to facilitate prominent guest lecturers and cultural events.

The Center for Tribal Studies vision is grounded in the rich history and heritage of three important educational institutions: the formal system of tribally supported schools in the Cherokee Nation in Indian Territory; the Indian University, the first higher education institution west of the Mississippi River; and Northeastern State University, founded in 1909 following Oklahoma statehood.

The vision of the Center for Tribal Studies is to continue the legacy of NSU as a leader in American Indian education, one which is innovative and responsive to the educational needs of tribal nations, communities, and individuals. With high expectations for succeeding generations of American Indian students to earn college degrees, the vision will ensure a continuation of attention to learning opportunities and experiences which promote leadership development, professional preparation, civic responsibility, and cultural stewardship.

The Center for Tribal Studies is further committed to the values which promote equality, compassion, respect for human dignity, and nondiscriminatory practices in the richly diverse university environment.