Dear OU Community,
I write to share some important news about the OU Native Nations Center. Since its formal establishment in 2015, our Native Nations Center has helped to advance OU’s longstanding excellence in Indigenous teaching and research and has strengthened our collaboration with Tribal Nations. To elevate the center’s impact here at OU and in partnership with Tribal Nations, the Native Nations Center is transitioning from the Provost’s Office to now align under the Office of the President, within the Office of Tribal Relations.
Under this new structure, I have asked Tana Fitzpatrick to serve as Director of the OU Native Nations Center, pending OU Regents’ approval. Tana will continue to serve as Associate Vice President of Tribal Relations as she takes on this additional role. Please join me in offering our sincerest appreciation to Brian Burkhart who, until recently, led the Native Nations Center for two years as its Interim Director, providing invaluable oversight of the center and its initiatives.
At OU, we hold our relationships and partnerships with Tribal Nations in the highest regard, and elevating the Native Nations Center into the Office of the President will further nurture these efforts. Although the operating structure of OU’s Native Nations Center is changing, its mission and purpose will continue. This pivot will provide even greater visibility for the center’s important work, ultimately better serving our students and Indigenous communities. The center and its existing staff will remain physically located in Copeland Hall to ensure consistency in how our campus community is served and supported. In addition, the mission for tribally engaged research will be realized through the appointment of an Associate Director of Research.
OU has greatly benefited from Tana’s leadership and expertise, and she has been instrumental to the university’s efforts to enhance and sustain the collaborative partnerships between OU and our Tribal Nations. She will undoubtedly contribute these same qualities in her capacity as the Native Nations Center’s Director, and will be a significant asset in our university’s commitment to honoring the fundamental partnership we share with our Tribal Nations.
Please join me in congratulating Tana on her appointment.
Live On, University,
Joseph Harroz, Jr.
President
