Haskell Indian Nations University
Encyclopedia
Haskell Indian Nations University is a tribal university located in Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence, Kansas
Lawrence is the sixth largest city in the U.S. State of Kansas and the county seat of Douglas County. Located in northeastern Kansas, Lawrence is the anchor city of the Lawrence, Kansas, Metropolitan Statistical Area, which encompasses all of Douglas County...

, for members of federally recognized Native American
Indigenous peoples of the Americas
The indigenous peoples of the Americas are the pre-Columbian inhabitants of North and South America, their descendants and other ethnic groups who are identified with those peoples. Indigenous peoples are known in Canada as Aboriginal peoples, and in the United States as Native Americans...

 tribe
Tribe
A tribe, viewed historically or developmentally, consists of a social group existing before the development of, or outside of, states.Many anthropologists use the term tribal society to refer to societies organized largely on the basis of kinship, especially corporate descent groups .Some theorists...

s in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...

. Founded in 1884 as a residential boarding-school for American Indian children, the school has evolved into an North Central Association-accredited university that offers both associate and baccalaureate degrees.

Enrollment at the campus is nearly 1,000 students per semester, representing approximately 140 Tribal Nations and Alaska Native communities. Along with Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute
Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute is a Bureau of Indian Affairs community college located in Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States. The Institute lost its accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission in July of 2010.-External links:*...

, Haskell is funded by the Bureau of Indian Education
Bureau of Indian Education
The Bureau of Indian Education is a division of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It operates tribal schools for Native Americans in the United States. The BIE is headquartered in Washington, DC and runs 59 of the total 183 schools and dormitories it oversees in 23 states. -External links:*...

. As such, because of U.S. Trust Responsibility to American Indian Tribes, Haskell does not charge tuition. However, students are responsible for paying semester fees.

Haskell is home to the Haskell Cultural Center and Museum, the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame, the Indian Leader (the oldest American Indian student newspaper in the country), numerous student clubs and organizations, the Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork, and the Haskell-Baker Wetlands
Haskell-Baker Wetlands
The Haskell-Baker Wetlands span approximately on the south side of Lawrence, Kansas, United States.Joint owners Baker University, Haskell Indian Nations University, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the University of Kansas hold 573, 27, 20, and , respectively, of this scenic and...

. 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 of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium
American Indian Higher Education Consortium
The American Indian Higher Education Consortium was established in 1972, in order to represent the interests of the newly developed tribal colleges, which are controlled and operated by American Indian nations...

, an organization for Tribal colleges and universities. Haskell also is a member of the American Council on Education
American Council on Education
The American Council on Education is a United States organization, established in 1918, comprising over 1,800 accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities and higher education-related associations, organizations, and corporations....

, The Council for Higher Education Accreditation
Council for Higher Education Accreditation
The Council for Higher Education Accreditation is a United States organization of degree-granting colleges and universities. It identifies its purpose as providing national advocacy for self-regulation of academic quality through accreditation in order to certify the quality of higher education...

, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools , also known as the North Central Association, is a membership organization, consisting of colleges, universities, and schools in 19 U.S. states, that is engaged in educational accreditation...

, and the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics
The National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics is an athletic association that organizes college and university-level athletic programs. Membership in the NAIA consists of smaller colleges and universities across the United States. The NAIA allows colleges and universities outside the USA...

.

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, the Stories-n-Motion Film Festival, and the Haskell Commencement Pow-Wow. 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. A self-guided Walking Tour map is available courtesy of the Haskell Cultural Center. Twelve campus buildings are U.S. National Historic Landmark
National Historic Landmark
A National Historic Landmark is a building, site, structure, object, or district, that is officially recognized by the United States government for its historical significance...

s.

History

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
Native American boarding schools
An Indian boarding school refers to one of many schools that were established in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries to educate Native American children and youths according to Euro-American standards...

 were created as a way to undermine Tribes and Tribal Nations. 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.
  • 1884: Formed as the United States Indian Industrial Training School, the school opened for 22 students, a number that increased to 400 within one semester. According to the university's website, the early trades for boys included tailoring, wagon making, blacksmithing, harness making, painting, shoe making, and farming. Girls studied cooking, sewing and homemaking. Most of the students' food was produced on the Haskell farm, and students were expected to participate in various industrial duties.

  • 1887: Name changed to Haskell Institute to honor Dudley Haskell, the U.S. Representative responsible for the school being in Lawrence. Under a semi-military system, students wore uniforms, marched to classes and exercised regularly. Facilities included a brig, or jail for unruly students.

  • 1894: 606 students from 36 states.

  • 1927: High school classes were accredited by the state of Kansas, and Haskell also began offering post high school courses in a variety of areas.

  • 1965: Haskell graduated its last high school class.

  • 1970: Haskell began offering a junior college curriculum and changes its name to Haskell Indian Junior College.

  • 1988: Planning begins for the transformation from a junior college into a baccalaureate-degree granting university and national center for Indian education, research, and cultural preservation.

  • 1993: The Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, Ada Deer
    Ada Deer
    Ada Deer is a Native American advocate and scholar who served as head of the United States' Bureau of Indian Affairs from 1993 to 1997.-Background:A member of the Menominee tribe, Deer was born in Keshena, Wisconsin...

    , approves the vision developed by and for Haskell, and the junior college's name is changed to Haskell Indian Nations University. Haskell offers its first four-year baccalaureate degree program in elementary teacher education.

  • 1998: Haskell begins to offer baccalaureate degrees in American Indian studies, Business Administration, and Environmental Sciences.

Academic Programs

Haskell offers four baccalaureate degree programs and four associate degrees in a variety of subjects.

Indigenous and American Indian Studies (BA)

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.

Business Administration (BS)

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.

Elementary Teacher Education (BS)

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.

Environmental Sciences (BS)

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.

Museums and Libraries

Haskell is home to the American Indian Athletic Hall of Fame, which recognizes famous Haskell athletes including John Levi, Jim Thorpe
Jim Thorpe
Jacobus Franciscus "Jim" Thorpe * Gerasimo and Whiteley. pg. 28 * americaslibrary.gov, accessed April 23, 2007. was an American athlete of mixed ancestry...

, Moses Yellow Hair, and Billy Mills
Billy Mills
William Mervin Mills or "Billy" Mills, also known as Makata Taka Hela , is the second Native American to win an Olympic gold medal....

.

The Haskell Cultural Center and Museum is a museum
Museum
A museum is an institution that cares for a collection of artifacts and other objects of scientific, artistic, cultural, or historical importance and makes them available for public viewing through exhibits that may be permanent or temporary. Most large museums are located in major cities...

 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.

Student Activities

There are more than 20 student organizations and clubs on campus, providing students with the chance to become involved in campus life as well as participating in activities in the surrounding community.

Athletics

For more information, see Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians
Haskell Indian Nations Fighting Indians
Haskell Indian Nations University athletic teams are known as the Fighting Indians. They participate in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics and the Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference....



The Fighting Indians compete in the NAIA Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference
Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference
The Midlands Collegiate Athletic Conference is an affiliate of the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics . Its nine member institutions are located in Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, and Oklahoma.-Members:...

 and independent circuit in Football, leaving the Central States Football League
Central States Football League
The Central States Football League is a college athletic conference affiliated with the NAIA. Member institutions are located in Oklahoma and Texas and compete only in football...

 in 2006. Team colors are purple, gold and white.
  • Men's Sports: Football, Cross Country, Basketball, Golf.
  • Women's Sports: Cross Country, Basketball, Softball, Volleyball
  • Club Sports: Baseball, Boxing


Haskell is noted for having one of the best college football teams in the nation from 1900 to 1930.

Campus Architecture and Art

In addition to its historic architecture, Haskell is recognized for its collection of public sculptures, murals, photographs, and paintings. Examples include the well-known sculpture, "Comrade in Mourning," by Allan Houser
Allan Houser
Allan Capron Houser or Haozous a Chiricahua Apache sculptor from Oklahoma. He was one of the most renowned Native American painters and Modernist sculptors of the 20th century....

.

Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork

The Haskell Medicine Wheel Earthwork is located south of the campus and was designed by Haskell professors, students, crop artist Stan Herd
Stan Herd
Stan Herd, American Crop artist creates images, or Earthworks, on large areas of land, especially in Kansas. His work is sometimes called Living sculpture. He plots his designs and then executes them by planting, mowing, and sometimes burning, or plowing the land. Two of Herd's first Kansas...

, 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."

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).

Haskell-Baker Wetlands

For more information, see Haskell-Baker Wetlands
Haskell-Baker Wetlands
The Haskell-Baker Wetlands span approximately on the south side of Lawrence, Kansas, United States.Joint owners Baker University, Haskell Indian Nations University, the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks, and the University of Kansas hold 573, 27, 20, and , respectively, of this scenic and...



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.

Notable Students, Alumni, Staff, and Faculty

For more information, see List of Haskell Indian Nations University People

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
Henry Roe Cloud
Henry Roe was a Native American who distinguished himself as an educator, college administrator, U.S. Federal Government official , Presbyterian minister, and reformer....

, athlete John Levi, the current Chairman of National Indian Gaming Association, Ernie Stevens, Jr., and screenwriter and director Stephen Paul Judd.

Campus Description and and National Historic Landmarks

The Haskell campus is home to 12 buildings which are listed as U.S. National Historic Landmarks.

Blalock Hall

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.

Osceola and Keokuk Halls

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.

Pocahontas Hall

Pocahontas Hall was built in 1931, and was named after the daughter of Powhatan, an Algonquian chief. It currently is a residential hall.

Powhatan Hall

Built in 1932 and named after the Algonquian Chief, it originally functioned as classroom space. It now is a residential hall. Powhatan.

Roe Cloud Hall

A new building on campus, it was completed in 1997. Roe Cloud Hall is named after Dr. Henry Roe Cloud
Henry Roe Cloud
Henry Roe was a Native American who distinguished himself as an educator, college administrator, U.S. Federal Government official , Presbyterian minister, and reformer....

, 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.

Winona Hall

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.

After earning an associate degrees, many students transfer to the University of Kansas
University of Kansas
The University of Kansas is a public research university and the largest university in the state of Kansas. KU campuses are located in Lawrence, Wichita, Overland Park, and Kansas City, Kansas with the main campus being located in Lawrence on Mount Oread, the highest point in Lawrence. The...

, 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.

External links


Further reading

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