Oklahoma State University tops in American Indian graduates

Wednesday, June 22, 2011

For the second year in a row, Oklahoma State University led the nation in the number of American Indians who graduate with a bachelor’s degree, as reported in the magazine “Diverse Issues in Higher Education.”

Citing preliminary data from the National Center for Educational Statistics for 2009-2010, the magazine lists OSU as the top degree producer nationwide for “American Indian Bachelor’s – All Disciplines Combined” with a total of 355 American Indians receiving diplomas. OSU also is ranked first in the number of American Indians who earn degrees in 11 educational categories, including engineering, biological and biomedical sciences, business, architecture, and agriculture.

“While we are extremely proud to lead the nation in American Indian graduates for a second year, we recognize the fact that OSU has a tremendous opportunity to help transition many of these students’ undergraduate achievements into graduate school success,” said Dr. Jason F. Kirksey, associate vice president for Institutional Diversity.  “In addition, as a land-grant institution, OSU is honored and committed to cultivating and strengthening our partnerships with the American Indian nations and communities across the state.”

The NCES statistics show OSU was followed by Northeastern State University and the University of Oklahoma in total number of American Indian graduates with 335 graduates at Northeastern and 241 at OU.

Oklahoma is home to approximately 40 federally and state recognized American Indian tribes with diverse cultural backgrounds and proud heritages.