Tribal Resources

Native american textile

Tribal Resources

Welcome to the Student Tribal Resources page at East Central University. Here, you will find information, support, and programs designed to help Indigenous students succeed academically, culturally, and personally. We offer academic advising, cultural activities, mentorship opportunities, financial assistance, and resources to connect students with their heritage. Our goal is to provide a welcoming and supportive environment that empowers Native students to thrive during their college journey and beyond.

Chickasaw Nation Recruitment and Retention

The Chickasaw Recruitment and Retention Program supports Chickasaw college students in achieving academic success. We help students secure funding, graduate on time, build strong study habits, and connect with the Chickasaw Nation. Our program offers cultural activities, social events, and career development opportunities. Our student center provides snacks, student mentors, supplies, a success coach, a comfortable study space, and career guidance to help students thrive.

Hays Native American Study Center

The Hays Native American Studies Center at ECU, decorated with Native American art, is the main hub for all Native Studies activities. Located in room 322 of Horace Mann, it serves as the meeting place for the ECU Native American Student Association and hosts courses on culture and language with the Chickasaw Nation. Named in honor of Chickasaw citizen Daniel Hays, who donated the land, the center was supported by the Chickasaw Nation and aims to promote Native culture and education. It provides students with internships, language and humanities courses, and opportunities to learn about Chickasaw history, culture, and language, while supporting ECU鈥檚 mission to expand Native knowledge.

I Dream

I Dream - The Augustus F. Hawkins Centers of Excellence (Hawkins) Program is a federal initiative supporting teacher preparation at HBCUs and Tribal Colleges. East Central University鈥檚 I-DREAM Center of Excellence aims to increase First American representation in Oklahoma鈥檚 teaching pipeline through scholarship assistance, cultural language programs, clinical opportunities, mentorship, and campus support. Funded with $3.1 million over five years, the program offers scholarships, internships, language immersion, teaching fellowships, and campus activities, focusing on fostering cultural connections and supporting Indigenous students pursuing education careers.

NASNTI REACH

The NASNTI REACH Program provides Native American and Pell-eligible students with research internships, faculty mentoring, student employment, distance learning, advising, tutoring, and other educational opportunities. We also offer cultural activities each semester to promote awareness and help students build connections. Our goal is to support students so they can succeed and thrive in higher education.

Native American Academic Services (NAAS)

The Native American Academic Services (NAAS) at East Central University is dedicated to supporting the academic, personal, and cultural success of Native American and Indigenous students. Our mission is to foster a welcoming environment that celebrates Native identity while providing the resources and guidance students need to thrive at ECU and beyond.

Native American Advisory Council

The Native American Advisory Committee at East Central University brings together staff and faculty members who are and/or work with Indigenous communities and/or Indigenous students. We foster networks and build collaborations to optimize partnership and programming opportunities in culturally appropriate and respectful ways, thereby, increasing our effectiveness at recruiting and retaining Indigenous staff, faculty, and students; ensuring community based participatory efforts; building Indigenous community capacity; supporting awareness of Indigenous contributions at campus events. Contact Traci Crossland, M.Ed, NASNTI REACHE Director.

Native American Student Association (NASA)

The purpose of this organization shall be to provide social, cultural, academic sport, and enrichment for ECUs, Native Americans, and other students who are interested in further understanding of promoting Native American issues. Nasa also seeks to interact and partner with other universities, clubs, organizations, or travel entities in order to serve the greater community. Contact Destany Schafer-Morgan, Assistant Professor & Internship Director, Department of Professional Programs & Human Services.

Native American Studies

The Native American Studies program, rooted in the liberal arts tradition, emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and effective communication. Students study Native histories, cultures, governments, and current issues, gaining a strong foundation for careers in education, public service, law, research, and community leadership. This interdisciplinary program encourages thoughtful engagement with Native experiences and applies that knowledge in real-world settings. Highlights include a focus on sovereignty, policy, cultural preservation, research skills, and flexible online learning options to fit diverse student needs.

Scholarships & Assistance

ECU Foundation - Native American Studies students at ECU can apply for scholarships to help with college costs. These scholarships make it easier for students to focus on their studies and culture. Details about eligibility and applying are available to support student success.

Oklahoma Indian Legal Studies (OILS)

Legal Studies partners with Oklahoma Indian Legal Services to provide the Native American Legal Clinic. Each semester, five Legal Studies students work as paralegals in the clinic. The clinic provides services to qualified Native Americans as well as ECU students and staff. Contact Christine Pappas, J.D., Ph.D.,Chair and professor of Political Science and Legal Studies in the Department of Law, Politics and Society