2019-2020 NAS Graduates

Jennifer Brewer (Comanche Nation), from Lawton, OK, graduated in May with a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, concurrently earning a Minor in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge. 

Jennifer has been accepted to the Master of Social Work Advanced Standing Program in the Anne and Henry Zarrow School of Social Work. and will begin her studies this summer.  She will also pursue a Social Work With American Indians Certificate. 

About herself, Jennifer says, "I was born in Lawton, Oklahoma, raised in Cache, Oklahoma by grandparents and soon after by Anita Daukei and Roy Yackeyonny until the age of 19. I am currently engaged to a great man and have two teenage sons, all whom I love very much.  I still cannot believe that at my age, which is over forty years, I still enjoyed my time here at the University of Oklahoma. I am proud to become alumni.  Live on,  University."

Favorite NAS Class:
“Critical Indigenous Theory NAS 4063, Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham. Group work in the class was challenging which also covered topics of all calibers.”

Favorite NAS Memory:
“During my Fall 2016 semester in college I was in a Native American survey class and there was a project to do presentations that reflected what we believed in to be a current issue in the United States and nearby countries. My topic was abused and murdered indigenous women. This was an issue that had endearment to myself. The professor at the time, (Dr. Sunny Hegwood) had challenged us as a class more than often and I thanked her many times for doing so, to prepare me for this final destination.”

Favorite OU Memory:
“During my studies in Human Diversity/Social Justice in the school of social work. There was a project to get in a group and design a poster to protest the rights of a current issue that the group could agree on. The whole school of social work had lined the south oval of campus and rallied for the school.”

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
“Always date (timestamp) your notes.  Find a small group of peers that encourage your success. Make sure you get to know your professor no matter the size of your classes.”

Illiahna Vetter (Otoe-Missouria Tribe, Ponca Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma), from Pawnee, OK, and first-generation college student, graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.  

Favorite NAS Memory:
"Going to any Native sponsored event and seeing all my friends. It always made my week seeing everyone and spending time with my friends. They're definitely memories I'll cherish forever."

Chevy Bullington (Osage Nation), from Ponca City, OK, graduated in May with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with emphases in Language, History & Cultural Knowledge and Tribal Governance & Policy.

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
"Don't be afraid to listen to yourself!"

Erin Casoose (Osage Nation, San Carlos Apache, Quapaw Nation), from Skiatook, OK, graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.

I really enjoyed my time at OU and I am forever grateful for the friendships, experiences and memories I made there.

Favorite NAS Class:
Indigenous Research Methods and Critical Indigenous Theory.

Favorite NAS Memory:
"Indigenous People’s Day Celebration. We got to dance down the south oval, play stickball in the grass and I love how normal it felt to see the tipi set up in the middle of campus."

Favorite OU Memory:
"Closing out all the tabs after I finally turn in my last final paper."

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
"Challenge yourself with what you try, so try everything. You should definitely study abroad."

Megan Holt (Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians), from Lawton, OK, is graduating this semester with her Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.

About herself, Megan says, "I love anime, video games and the supernatural.  I love my parents and my little sausage dog."

Megan expresses gratitude for graduating despite her journey in higher education being a little longer than she expected.  

You've worked hard to get here, Megan, and you have a lot to be proud of.  We are so proud of you! 

Favorite NAS Class:
“Choctaw Language....I enjoy the hymns and I gained a better understanding of the language. Which made my mother happy.”

Favorite NAS Memory:
“Hanging in the Native American student lounge.”

Favorite OU Memory:
“Getting on the Dean's list for Fall 2019. ”

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
“Do not wait until the last minute to work on papers. I speak from experience.”

Tamah Minnis (Meskwaki Nation), from Norman, OK, graduated in December 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with emphases in Tribal Governance & Policy and Language, History & Cultural Knowledge.  

Tamah was an essential member of the NAS admin team as the student office assistant - she managed the NAS Library and also helped with event programming, event photography, editing the website, posting on social media, and with financial reconciliation, among many other things.

When asked to describe herself, Tamah said, "I love people, photography, Native rights and education."  At the end of each semester, Tamah can be found at one of the many picturesque spots across campus providing free photo shoots for Native OU graduates.

Tamah is now working on her Master's in Secondary Social Studies Education in the OU College of Education.

We are SO proud of you, Tamah!

Favorite NAS Class:
"My favorite classes were Research Methods and Senior Capstone! I did learn a lot, but it was so fun to be with the same group for two semesters and build those relationships. Some of my closest friendships are from these classes."

Favorite NAS Memory:
"My favorite NAS memory is finals week, every semester, because NAS majors and other Native students would all work together in the Copeland study rooms until the late evening, laughing, eating and learning.  Or working in the office with Katie Bayliss!  I miss it every day. :).  I loved my time in NAS. I wouldn’t be who I am without these people or this department."

Favorite OU Memory:
"My favorite OU memory is founding and helping to grow the organization Generation Citizen."

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
"Your grades are important, but so is making time for friends and “fun” things. Memories are important, too! Also, just walk in the fall because there might be a pandemic that doesn’t let you graduate in the Spring!"

Joleen Scott (United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians in Oklahoma), from Stilwell, OK, graduated in December 2019 with a Master of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Indigenous Media & Arts. 

Joleen served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for the department, teaching a section of the Intro to Native American Studies class.  She studied both Cherokee and Korean languages while at OU.

About her time here, Joleen says, "I have had a long journey at OU from my freshman year in undergrad to finishing the NAS master's program. There have been many ups and downs. I’ve met so many amazing people. I came out of my OU experience with a family. I’m so thankful and beyond blessed. Thank you to my parents who have always supported me."

Favorite NAS Class:
"My favorite class was Research Methods with Dr. Shotton. I had never thought about using indigenous methodology before taking that class. It was so enlightening and my classmates made it fun."

Favorite NAS Memory:
"The opening of the Native Nations Center is one of my favorite memories, where everyone was taking Polaroid photos with their tribal nations’ flags. Like all NAS events, it was filled with food and laughter.  Seeing NAS and the OU Native community grow is so heartwarming.

Favorite OU memory:
"My favorite OU memory is getting the chance to study abroad in South Korea. It was a life changing experience. I helped out with international affairs events afterward."

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshman:
"Go to office hours and get to know your professors. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. They want you to succeed."

Skylar Ash (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), from Norman, OK, and first-generation college student, is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.  She was an active member of Gamma Delta Pi, Inc. and of the American Indian Student Association during her time on campus.  

Skylar spent much of her time in the Native American Language faculty offices, practicing her native language - Choctaw - and learning some Kiowa, Cherokee and Creek while she was at it.  

Favorite NAS Class:
"I enjoyed all of my NAS classes, but my favorite NAS classes were my Choctaw Language courses with Mr. Lewis and Mr. Vaughn. Learning my language while at OU was something very special to me, and my Choctaw classes were always fun! I loved going to class! Mr. Lewis and Mr. Vaughn have also continued to teach and support me outside of the classroom as I continue to learn more about our language and practiced speaking with me, as well as teaching me more about our culture. Mr. Lewis and Mr. Vaughn have been great mentors of mine while I at OU, and I am forever grateful for their constant support! Because of Mr. Lewis and Mr. Vaughn, I am able to speak Choctaw (I'm not perfect just yet, but I'm getting there!). I'll continue to hold onto everything that they've taught me, and make sure that I keep speaking."

Favorite NAS Memory:
"My favorite NAS memory, is hanging out with the language teachers. I enjoyed sitting with all of them and listening to them speak their language (especially Patrick and Mrs. Armer). I always looked forward to our conversations about language, comparing phrases and words, and learning a little bit from each teacher.  Plus, I enjoyed laughing around with them! My favorite memories are Melanie and I practicing learning new Choctaw words (Shout out to Pishukchi!), and gaining some wisdom from Dane. I learned a lot from the language teachers, and I am thankful for the times that I got to sit and speak with them." 

Favorite OU Memory:
"My favorite OU memories are being able to stop by and say hi to people, whether it was in Student life in the Union, or around the NAS office. I always enjoyed seeing everyone, and being able to talk and laugh with them, were some of the best times during my week! "

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
"My biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen is to enjoy every moment you have with this department. The faculty and staff are some of the best and most supportive people you will meet. They've definitely been some of my best teachers, so don't be afraid to get to know them and ask questions!"

Shelby Koch (Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma), from Ephrata, Washington, is graduating in Spring 2020 with a Master's in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.  She will be joining the class of 2024 at the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine at Washington State University this fall.  Congratulations, Shelby!!

Favorite NAS Class:
"American Indian Health Issues - it fit in really well with my interests and we read lots of neat papers (and had interesting discussions)"

Favorite NAS Memory:
"Indigenous Peoples Day - it was awesome to see everyone decked out in regalia and having so much fun."

Favorite OU Memory:
"Playing stickball for hours in the South Oval."

Biggest Piece of Advice for Incoming NAS Freshmen:
"Don't worry too much about what everyone else is doing - focus on doing what works for you and make sure to have some fun along the way."