2022-2023 Graduates

Rayle Blevins-Odle (Choctaw, Cherokee) from Tahlequah, OK is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History, and Cultural Knowledge. 

Personal statement:
"After realizing the need for institutional Indigenous traditional ecological knowledge in the conservation space I chose to pursue a degree in Native American Studies and did undergraduate research in Indigenous ecology and land stewardship - I am now exploring career options in the conservation field that will represent the knowledge our people have held long before it was acknowledged by colonial institutions."

Favorite NAS class:
"My favorite courses were Tribal Sovereignty due to its deep dive into federal and state documents which allowed me to better navigate complex laws and better understand the challenges to tribal sovereignty which exist - and Indigenous Mapping which gave me a very interesting outlook on how borders affect sovereignty and wildlife conservation issues."

Favorite NAS memory:
"Playing stickball with the Yale students!"

Favorite OU memory:
"Teaching basket weaving for the multicultural groups as my first freshmen social event!"

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS students:
"Keep an open mind- and know that no matter what you study, if there is a job to be done then there is no reason why you can't be the one to do it."

Plans after graduation:
"I am currently looking to consult with Cornell University over their current tribal connections to the lakes in New York, and am also looking forward to working with the National Park Service to help them understand cultural resources and expand their bison programs to tribal entities."

Taylor Broadbent (Cherokee Nation) from Moore, OK is graduating with a Bachelor of  Arts in Letters-Constitutional Studies and minors in Latin and in Native American Studies with an emphasis on Tribal Governance and Policy.  She is a Fulbright Scholar and Stewart and Morris K. Udall Scholarship recipient, as well as a Rhodes Finalist. On campus she is a part of the Andrew W. Mellon Impact Fellowship, Carl Albert Congressional Research Center Fellowship, and the Cortez A.M. Ewing Fellowship.

Taylor serves as the President of the Constitutional Studies Student Association, Treasurer of the Pre-Law Society, and Parliamentarian of Eta Sigma Phi Classical Honor Society. She also serves as the Speaker Pro-Tempore of the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature and President of the College Democrats of Oklahoma.

Favorite NAS class:
"My favorite NAS class was Sovereignty Law and Policy with Dr. Cottrell because I learned a lot about interpreting the law, writing about the law, and had great discussions with my classmates. I also loved my Cherokee classes with Mrs. Armer; she makes learning the language so much fun!"

Favorite NAS memory:
"My favorite memory is when we had the workshop over the Oral History Collection and I was able to listen to the stories of elders that Dr. Ortega put together."

Favorite OU memory:
"The late-night study sessions with my friends in the Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS students:
"Get involved all across campus in a variety of organizations."

Plans after graduation:
"As a Fulbright Scholar, I will be entering a Master's program in Public Policy at the University of Melbourne in Australia!"

Kierra Chrisco (Kiowa, Apache) from Oklahoma City, OK is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Spanish and in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.

Personal statement:
"I am a first-generation student from Oklahoma City, and I am Kiowa-Apache and a descendant of the Taínos of Puerto Rico. I am ecstatic to be graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, with minors in Native American Studies and Spanish. My goal is to raise awareness for mental health and help the youth in my community by providing culturally-sensitive and effective mental health services. I have faced challenges as a first-generation student, but I have learned to be resourceful and persistent and would like to share my knowledge with our youth. I will be continuing my education in the fall by pursuing a Master's in Social Work!"

Favorite NAS class:
"My favorite Native American Studies course was Gender and Sexuality in Native North America. Going into the course, I wasn't sure what to expect, but it ended up being one of the most meaningful classes I've taken. I learned a lot about topics such as puberty ceremonies, two-spirit people, and the concept of land as pedagogy. One of the things that really resonated with me was the discussion around indigenizing mental health treatment. As a Native student interested in pursuing a career in mental health, this was especially important to me and has become one of my new purposes and passions. Overall, the course helped me gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of my Native identity and culture."

Favorite NAS memory:
"My favorite NAS memory is from when I joined the Mellon Fellowship and met the other fellows. Specifically, I remember taking a class with Mr. Queton on Indigenous leadership and futurity. Even though our class was small, we made it our own by creating an Indigenous space that was inclusive and supportive. One of my favorite memories was when we would take the time to have dinner together and just have a conversation about Indigenous topics. It was in those moments that I finally felt like I could truly be myself around other people in a course. Overall, the Mellon Fellowship provided me with a sense of community and belonging in my studies, and I am grateful for that experience."

Favorite OU memory:
"My favorite OU memory would have to be the time I spent getting involved with the Native community on campus after COVID. I rushed for the Native women's sorority, Gamma Delta Pi, where I went on a journey to develop my Native identity and learn about my tribe's and other tribe's customs and traditions. Initiation night was one of my favorite memories during my time at OU because I felt more confident in who I was as Native woman around other strong Native women."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS students:
"My biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS students is to take your time in learning about yourself and others. You might be surprised by how much you have in common with other Native students. From my experience, OU is a very welcoming community, and people are eager to help you. Never think that you don't belong or that you don't have guidance. OU can be like a second family away from home. Additionally, if you're looking to get more involved on campus, there are many organizations and Native events to explore, such as the Mellon's Fellowship, American Indian Student Association (AISA), Gamma Delta Pi, Iota Gamma, and American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES). Joining our GroupMe (Native OU) can also be a great way to connect with other Native students. And don't forget to attend the OU Annual Powwow every spring - it's always an amazing experience!"

Plans after graduation:
"After graduation, I am planning to pursue a Master of Social Work at the University of Alabama in the fall, with a concentration in Children, Adolescents & Family. My goal is to obtain a career where I can assist in helping our youth and indigenize mental health treatments. I am passionate about making a positive impact on the lives of our younger generation and am excited about the opportunities that lie ahead."

Madison Duehning (Cherokee Nation) from Guthrie, OK is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Tribal Governance and Policy and Language, History, and Cultural Knowledge.

Personal statement:
"I was born in Tahlequah, OK, and graduated from Guthrie High School in 2019. I plan to use my B.A. in Psychology and minor in Native American Studies in service of Native American communities here in Oklahoma. I am passionate about the inclusion of culture in mental health, as well as prevention and justice for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples."

Favorite NAS class:
"I received a comprehensive understanding of American tribal history and legal positionality from the Sovereignty, Law, and Policy seminar given by Dr. Clifton Cottrell. I also received inspiration for my career from Dr. Toni Tsatoke's Native American Women course."

Favorite NAS memory:
"My favorite NAS memories are from my in-class interactions with fellow NAS majors and minors. We had great discussions and some good laughs."

Favorite OU Memory:
"My favorite OU memories are from events with the American Indian Student Association, especially our Intramural Softball games and stickball on the South Oval."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS students:
"My advice for incoming NAS students is to be engaged in NAS courses and Native student organizations on campus. The knowledge and kinship experiences from these opportunities will last a lifetime."

Plans after graduation:
"After graduation, I plan to find a job or internship in Oklahoma while planning the next steps for my academic career."

Taryn Evans (Mvskoke) from Plano, TX is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Human Health and Biology and a Bachelor of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis in Language, History, and Cultural Knowledge.

Personal statement:
"I am graduating with both a BA in Native American Studies and a BS in Human Health and Biology. After I graduate I want to go into practicing medicine while also researching Indigenous medicines. One day I hope to integrate traditional indigenous ways of healing with the western biomedical system."
 

Favorite NAS class:
"I loved Dr. Harjo’s Indigenous Community Planning."

Favorite NAS memory:
"My favorite memory from NAS was my first class at OU and it was a pre req with Dr. Harjo and it changed my life."

Favorite OU memory:
"My favorite memories at OU come from my time spent in the lounge hanging out with my friends and learning more about other native cultures."

Biggest piece of advice for incoming NAS freshmen:
"My biggest piece of advice is to explore the different divisions in NAS because there is something for everyone and if you can’t find your niche the professors will help you create one!"

Plans after graduation:
"After graduation I will be completing a 1 year pre med post bacc and then I will be attending medical school the following year."

Briana Mason (Chickasaw, Choctaw, Comanche) from Norman, OK is graduating with a Master of Arts in Native American Studies with and emphasis in Language, History, and Cultural Knowledge.

Personal statement:
"Amanompa ithanali micha nittak chaffakma Chikashshsanompaꞌ ithanachi sabanna. I am currently learning my language with the goal to become a Chickasaw language teacher someday. My area of emphasis has helped support me in my work towards my career goals."

Favorite NAS class:
"I completed my NAS Practicum with Dr. Heaton and while working with her I learned how to transcribe a few Indigenous languages and helped with the first virtual launch of the Oklahoma Native American Youth Language Fair (ONAYLF). I learned a lot and enjoyed listening to the different languages being spoken by our Indigenous youth."

Favorite NAS memory:
"(Virtually) meeting Kimberly Norris-Guerrero in Dr. Harjo's Critical Indigenous Theory class. We had watched Cherokee word for Water and Dr. Harjo surprised our class by having Kimberly be a guest speaker. I fangirled pretty loud."

Favorite OU memory:
"I grew up not too far from OU campus but it is a different atmosphere attending school as a student. I am grateful for all of my college experiences, the enjoyable and teachable moments. I found great friends within our Indigenous community and together, we have shared numerous laughs and memories."

Biggest piece of advice to incoming NAS students:
"Let your story guide your goals, your roots are important in your educational journey. Find your support system, whether it be fellow classmates, professors, faculty, find those who know and understand what you want and need to be successful. You belong here."

Plans after graduation:
"I am currently a participant of the Chikasha Academy Adult Immersion Program. I am learning my language every day and plan to continue to work within our language department and support our language revitalization efforts."

Karlie Ryal (Mvskoke) from Dewar, OK is graduating with her Master of Arts in Native American Studies with an emphasis on Language, History and Cultural Knowledge.

Thesis title and research:
Native American Language Classes in Higher Education Through a Tribal Lens: "This research focused on Native American language courses taught in non-tribal higher education institutions such as that of OU in hopes to understand the effect it has on language preservation/revitalization and the tribes of which their languages are being taught. For this research I interviewed multiple OU Native American students who have taken the courses or wish to take them, language teachers from a tribal language program, and an instructor of a NAL course at OU in hopes to provide a Native American point of view on these courses and see if it is truly beneficial to them."

Personal statement:
"I have always had a passion for language preservation and revitalization that stemmed from my grandfather who always took pride in being Mvskoke and passed that love pride along to me. I am getting this degree not only for him and myself but also for my tribe in hopes to one day make a difference for my people."

Favorite NAS class:
"All of Dr. Heaton’s language documentation and revitalization classes as it gave me the opportunity to pursue my passion of Indigenous language learning and teaching."

Favorite NAS memory:
"Being a graduate teaching assistant and being able to teach the Intro to NAS online courses."

Favorite OU memory:
"Dancing in grand entry at the OU powwow with all of my AISA friends."

Biggest piece of advice to incoming NAS students:
"Be open to learning about other tribes and their cultures."

Plans after graduation:
"I wish to pursue a career in helping Native American college students finding their cultural identity and help them create kinship with their fellow Native American students."