Sovereign Nations Center a hub for Native students at Oklahoma State

This article appeared in the January 2017 edition of the Chickasaw Times

STILLWATER, Okla. - The Oklahoma State University Center for Sovereign Nations is a hub of support, information and connection for Native American college students. Chickasaw Nation students serve in leadership roles, proudly representing their tribe while serving others.

One of those students has been involved with the center since inception and is now an OSU senior. Chickasaw citizen Masheli Billy became involved with the center during the development phase in 2013 and continues to work there now.

“Being a student ambassador on the OSU campus for Native American students has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had,” Mr. Billy said. “I have gained priceless life lessons from my mentors here and have been honored to have incredible leadership to learn from.

“Every day I enjoy learning more about myself, my tribe and other Native American students on campus and have become much more engaged in Native American activities. It’s not unusual for me to spend my free time playing stickball outside the center, playing the Native American flute or sharing traditional stories with new friends.”

The center is a longtime vision of center director Dr. Elizabeth Payne, and Dr. John Chaney, director of the OSU Marriage and Family Clinic, American Indians Into Psychology Program (AIIP) and Center for American Indian Studies. The vision became reality when the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations opened its doors to students in August 2015.

Mr. Billy was part of the process from the beginning.

“Masheli is an original author of our center concept,” Dr. Payne said. “Though Masheli was still in high school when we were planning the center, his input has guided our center strategy since we met. His leadership continues to have significant impact on the success of the center.”

In the first two semesters of operation, the center welcomed 850 student visits. Each of those interactions offered Native American students a welcoming experience from center staff, the opportunity to discover funding sources and employment opportunities and both staff and peer support.

Mr. Billy spends several hours weekly working in the center, adding to the welcoming experience. In addition to offering assistance to university students, Mr. Billy collaborates on events and leadership activities.

“My favorite activity at the center is high school visitation days,” he said. “We are able to visit with high school juniors and seniors from all across the nation to encourage them to enroll at Oklahoma State. Every time I meet someone new or pick up the phone I am representing my tribe and a legacy of excellence. It’s an honor to be a true advocate for my tribe’s sovereignty, higher education and the overall continued success of my people.”

The center was made possible through a leadership gift from the Chickasaw Nation. Chickasaw Nation Ambassador-at-Large Neal McCaleb advocated for the center, along with OSU president Burns Hargis. At the center’s first birthday bash, the Choctaw Nation announced its commitment to forming a partnership with the center.

Weekly luncheons for students, a venue for Native America Student Association meetings and a comfortable place for students to study and relax keep the center buzzing with activity.

The center, Mr. Billy said, was a critical stop for Native American students to find resources, develop friendships and learn more about tribal heritage and sovereignty.

“I know from personal experience how much the center can impact someone’s life,” he said. “Sometimes it’s just good to know someone cares. The people who work at the center aren’t doing it for themselves, rather it’s the reward of knowing we can positively impact someone’s college experience. Our focus is to give students a home where they can grow as a person and have a place where they feel they belong.”

Mr. Billy is on track to graduate in May with a bachlor’s degree in aerospace administrations and operations and a minor in military studies. He is also in his fourth year serving as a cadet in OSU’s Reserve Officer Training Corps program at OSU. He will be commissioned a U.S. Army officer upon graduation.

“Throughout the years I have learned the importance of good leadership, self-discipline and determination through the military service modeled boldly in my family,” Mr. Billy said. “From my elders to my ancestors, the spirit of a warrior remains strong in my bloodline. It is an honor to become a part of this tradition and to grow our dedication to service even stronger.”

Representing Chickasaw heritage and sovereignty runs in the Billy family. Mr. Billy is the son of Lisa Johnson Billy, a Chickasaw and the first Native American woman to represent State Senate District 42 in the Oklahoma Legislature.

“For me, my culture is one of the most important things and I hold it dear to my heart,” Mr. Billy said. “Throughout the last couple of years, I have learned an extensive amount about my culture. I will always carry these things with me wherever I go and plan on sharing it with as much of the world as I can.”

Mr. Billy has chased his dream of higher education with support from the Chickasaw Nation. He has utilized scholarships and grants offered through the Chickasaw Nation Education and Youth Services to help him reach his goals.

“Over the course of the last four years, the Chickasaw Nation has helped me tremendously in achieving my goals, from higher education scholarships and grants, to the college clothing grant now provided through Youth Services,” Mr. Billy said. “It has been a true blessing to have the support system of my tribe behind me. The Chickasaw Nation’s Education division has set the standard for true service before self. I have always had the highest quality of service given to me and for that, I am truly thankful.”

For more information about the OSU Center for Sovereign Nations, visit sovnationcenter.okstate.edu. To learn how to apply for higher education grants through the Chickasaw Nation and other services and support, visit www.chickasaw.net/highered.