Diversity Initiatives for Tribal Colleges and Universities: Maintaining Heritage While Promoting Inclusion

Abstract

Institutions have become more diverse and inclusive causing tension among different ethnicities at times. Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCU) were established to educate Native Americans as these individuals historically had few opportunities to pursue a college education in the United States. We examine the transformation of a TCU into a master's level degree-granting state university. Increasing diversity while maintaining its Native American history allows the university to be a leader of diversity and inclusion in the 21st century. We conclude with a summary of outcomes on these initiatives for similar universities that are trying to increase diversity without incidence.