Our commitment to Native Americans
One of the university’s strategic goals is to become the nation’s leading university serving Native
Americans.
Recent successes
Researching cancer
A collaboration between Northern Arizona University and the
Arizona Cancer Center to research cancer disparities among Native Americans
received an $8.92 million grant from the National Cancer Institute.
Undergraduate research
The Ottens Undergraduate Research Grant for Native Americans
in Health and Environmental Sciences fuels Native American undergraduate
mentors and research. The program provides students up to $8,000 each to assist
with college expenses.
Building a center at the heart of campus
Multiple focus groups comprised of Native faculty, students,
staff, alumni, and community members contributed to the architectural design of
the Native American Cultural Center.
Strategies
Provide a university climate and culture that enhance the academic
experiences of Native American students, staff, and faculty
- increase the number of full-time Native American
faculty, administrators, and staff
- promote awareness and understanding of Native
American cultures
- expand curricula that focus on and address
Native American experiences
- explore cross-disciplinary programs and
approaches that incorporate Native American traditional knowledge and practices
in collaboration with tribal agencies and communities
Improve the recruitment, retention, and progress of Native American
students
- increase the enrollment, retention, and progress
toward graduation of Native American students
- expand partnerships with tribal colleges to
enhance opportunities for Native American students to continue their education
- create learning pedagogies and student support
frameworks leading to Native American student success
- raise a substantial endowment to support Native
American students and programs through advancement efforts
- enhance marketing to highlight a commitment to
and achievements of Native Americans
Develop collaborative service and outreach programs with Native American communities
- strengthen and develop partnerships with tribal
governments and others that benefit Native American students, researchers,
faculty, and communities
- enhance fundraising that supports Native
American students, faculty, programs, and their communities
- work with tribes to establish scholarship and
retention programs and a designated Native American endowed position