Haskell Indian Nations University | |
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Established | 1884 |
Type | Tribal College Land-grant |
President | Chris Redman |
Haskell Board of Regents | George Tiger, President |
Students | 1,000 |
Location | Lawrence, Kansas, United States |
Sports | Basketball, Cross Country, Football, Golf, Softball, and Volleyball |
Affiliations | AIHEC American Council on Education Council for Higher Education Accreditation NCA NAIA MCAC |
Website | Haskell.edu |
Haskell Indian Nations University is a tribal university[1] located in Lawrence, Kansas, for members of federally recognized Native American tribes in the United States. Founded in 1884 as a residential boarding-school for American Indian children,[2] the school has evolved into an North Central Association-accredited university that offers both associate and baccalaureate degrees.[3]
Enrollment at the campus is nearly 1,000 students per semester, representing approximately 140 Tribal Nations and Alaska Native communities.[4] Along with Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Haskell is funded by the Bureau of Indian Education. As such, because of U.S. Trust Responsibility[5] to American Indian Tribes, Haskell does not charge tuition. However, students are responsible for paying semester fees.[6]
Haskell is home to the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum,[7] the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame,[8] the Indian Leader (the oldest American Indian student newspaper in the country),[9] numerous student clubs and organizations,[10] the Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork, and the Haskell-Baker Wetlands. The renowned Rinehart Collection is housed in the Haskell Cultural Center. Numerous sculptures and murals are located throughout the campus. The University is one of 37 members[11] of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, an organization for Tribal colleges and universities. Haskell also is a member of the American Council on Education, The Council for Higher Education Accreditation, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics.[12]
The University enjoys a positive reputation for hosting cultural and academic events that attracts visitors (both American Indian and non-Indian) from across the country and abroad. These activities include the annual Haskell Indian Art Market,[13] the Stories-n-Motion Film Festival,[14] and the Haskell Commencement Pow-Wow.[15] These public events are held along with numerous educational conferences, workshops, and presentations.
Due to its unique history, visitors enjoy touring and learning about Haskell history and its campus.[16] A self-guided Walking Tour map is available courtesy of the Haskell Cultural Center.[17] Twelve campus buildings are U.S. National Historic Landmarks.
The history of Haskell Indian Nations University is a unique story, reflecting both U.S. Indian policy and self-determination efforts by Indian Country and Alaska Native communities. Haskell was founded during an era when Native American boarding schools were created as a way to undermine Tribes and Tribal Nations.[18] From this original mission, Haskell has transformed into a Tribal-based university whose alumni work in numerous areas to serve Indian Country and Alaska Native communities.
Haskell offers four baccalaureate degree programs and four associate degrees in a variety of subjects.
Students in this program study an an integrated foundation of interdisciplinary knowledge and the practical skills needed to contribute to the development of Indigenous American Indian and Alaska Native communities and nations. The program is interdisciplinary in nature, thereby providing students the flexibility needed to prepare either for graduate or professional school or to enter the workplace after graduation.[24]
The School of Business offers the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with emphases in management or tribal management. For students who enter the Management track, the emphasis is on a traditional academic study of contemporary management practices and theories common to the management of human, financial, technical, natural, and other resources. Students interested in the Tribal Management track explore contemporary and historical issues that impact tribal governments.[25]
Education majors who complete a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education and successfully pass the Principles of Learning and Teaching (PLT) and Elementary Education: Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment Test. examination will be eligible to apply for Kansas provisional licensure to teach kindergarten through the sixth grade. Candidates wishing to teach in other states should check with respective state certification units.[26]
The Environmental Sciences program provides its majors with a broad-based background that prepares students for graduate school or a career in environmental or biological fields. Courses offered through this major include Biology, Ecology, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, Natural Resources, and Environmental Sciences.[27]
Haskell is home to the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame, which recognizes famous Haskell athletes including John Levi, Jim Thorpe, Moses Yellow Hair, and Billy Mills.
The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum is a museum that provides exhibits of interest about Indigenous history. It also houses archives that includes collections on Haskell and of other subjects.
Tommaney Library is a fully functioning academic resource center.
There are more than 20 student organizations and clubs on campus,[10] providing students with the chance to become involved in campus life as well as participating in activities in the surrounding community.
The Fighting Indians compete in the NAIA Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference and independent circuit in Football, leaving the Central States Football League in 2006. Team colors are purple, gold and white.
Haskell is noted for having one of the best college football teams in the nation from 1900 to 1930.[28]
In addition to its historic architecture, Haskell is recognized for its collection of public sculptures, murals, photographs, and paintings.[29] Examples include the well-known sculpture, "Comrade in Mourning," by Allan Houser.
The Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork is located south of the campus and was designed by Haskell professors, students, crop artist Stan Herd, and tribal elders, and dedicated in 1992 as a response to the 500th commemoration of the "Columbian Legacy." The creation of the Medicine Wheel is offered as a Native gift to all people of this planet.
The Medicine Wheel is rich with symbolism. According to the Haskell Catalog, "The Medicine Wheel symbolizes the scope and richness of indigenous cultures, from the beginning of humankind to the present. The circle is symbolic of the perpetual and sacredness of the spirituality of native peoples. The spokes are the four directions. The circle marks the astrological locations of the Summer and Winter solstice and represent the death, rebirth, balance and healing in Mother Earth. The bear claw represents the strength needed for the survival of indigenous people. The thunderbird located to the east represents the spiritual traditions of tribal people and points to the sacred circle and sacred fire contained within the Medicine Wheel Teachings."[30]
A replica of the Medicine Wheel is carved in the tile at the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum as a way of balancing the campus (with a medicine wheel on the north and south ends of campus).[31]
The Haskell-Baker Wetlands span approximately 640 acres (2.6 km2), covering the south side of the Haskell campus. These wetlands are home to 243 species of birds, 21 species of fish, 22 species of reptiles, and 26 species of plants. This area serves as a feeding and breeding ground for the migratory birds that breed in Canada and set up camp in the wetlands while on their way to Mexico and South America. The Northern Crawfish Frog is an endangered species and its critical habitat is the wetlands.[32]
Beginning with the first graduates, a number of individuals have left Haskell to go on to distinguished careers, serving in Tribal, local, and national capacities. In addition, well-known individuals have served at Haskell.
Notable Haskell people include Tribal education advocate Henry Roe Cloud, athlete John Levi, the current Chairman of National Indian Gaming Association, Ernie Stevens, Jr., and screenwriter and director Stephen Paul Judd.
Haskell Institute
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Haskell's Tecumseh Hall
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Location: | Lawrence, Kansas |
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Architect: | Unknown |
Architectural style: | No Style Listed |
NRHP Reference#: | 66000342 |
Significant dates | |
Added to NRHP: | October 15, 1966[33] |
Designated NHLD: | July 4, 1961[34] |
The Haskell campus is home to 12 buildings which are listed as U.S. National Historic Landmarks.
This is a newer building on campus. It was constructed in 1978 and named in honor of Mrs. Margaret Blalock, Chippewa, a Haskell alumna, and a long-time Haskell employee who was committed to serving the Haskell students. It now is a residential hall.[35]
These adjoined buildings also are known as "O-K Hall." These two buildings were originally constructed in 1884. At that time, Osceola Hall served as a men’s hall and Keokuk Hall served as a women’s hall. Osceola was a famous Seminole warrior whose name means “Rising Sun.” Keokuk, a Sac and Fox whose name means “Watchful Fox,” was not a chief by birth, but rose to the position through skillful leadership, force of character, and brilliant oratory. O-K Hall is currently a residential hall.[35]
Pocahontas Hall was built in 1931, and was named after the daughter of Powhatan, an Algonquian chief. It currently is a residential hall.[35]
Built in 1932 and named after the Algonquian Chief, it originally functioned as classroom space. It now is a residential hall. Powhatan.[35]
A new building on campus, it was completed in 1997. Roe Cloud Hall is named after Dr. Henry Roe Cloud, a member of the Winnebago Nation. He was the first American Indian superintendent of the Haskell Institute, serving from 1933 to 1935. Dr. Roe Cloud later served in the presidential administrations of Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt. He remained a strong voice on behalf of American Indian issues and education throughout his life and his career.[35]
Originally constructed in 1897, it was rebuilt in 1962. The name Winona, by Lakota tradition, is given to daughters who are the first-born child of the family. Winona Hall currently is a co-ed honors residential hall.[35]
After earning an associate degrees, many students transfer to the University of Kansas, other colleges, or join the workforce. Because of this fact, the university was erroneously reported in one report as having a low retention rate. The university received a #9 ranking on the 2010 "Top 50 Dropout Factory" list from Washington Monthly in their College Guide.[36]
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