KU News Release

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas is one of seven universities in the nation that “inspire and encourage students to participate, connect and explore,” and “offer support and academic challenges to the motivated student,” according to the Native American college guide Winds of Change.

KU was joined by Columbia University in New York, Ohio State University, Evergreen State College in Washington, Augsburg College in Minnesota and the University of California-Irvine in the 16th edition of the guide.

KU’s close proximity to Haskell Indian Nations University, which enrolls about 900 students at its Lawrence campus, allows for unique academic and cultural exchanges between the two schools.

“We are very proud that KU is cited as one of the top seven universities that inspire Native American students and acknowledge that Haskell Indian Nations University is an integral part of that recognition,” said Fred Rodriguez, interim associate vice provost for diversity and equity. “Our relationship with Haskell Indian Nations University has continued to evolve and grow. We value our colleagues at Haskell and understand that our respective institutions are only strengthened more with our cooperative and collaborative partnerships.”

Partner programs include

— Haskell Mentor Program, which matches a Haskell transfer student with a KU student mentor, faculty mentor and staff guide to assist in adjusting to life at KU

— Haskell/KU Exchange Program, which gives KU students the opportunity to take classes and participate in the cultural life at Haskell

— KU/Haskell Bridge Project, which provides support and guidance to Haskell students interested in pursuing degrees in the biomedical sciences

KU’s liaison to Haskell is Devon Abbott Mihesuah, Oklahoma Choctaw, who is the Cora Lee Beers Price Teaching Professor in International Cultural Understanding.

KU also offers a Global Indigenous Nations Studies program, an interdisciplinary program for undergraduate and graduate students, and the Tribal Law and Government Center at the School of Law, which offers a certificate program that gives law students the skills to effectively advocate for tribes. Its students also participate in the National Indian Law Moot Court Competition. The center is directed by Stacy L. Leeds, Cherokee, professor of law, who has served on the courts for the Cherokee, Prairie Band Potawatomi, Kickapoo and Kaw Nations.