Sinte Gleska University: A Bastion of Lakota Education and Culture
Sinte Gleska University (SGU) stands as a unique institution of higher learning, deeply rooted in the traditions and aspirations of the Lakota people. Founded in 1971, SGU has grown from humble beginnings into a comprehensive university offering a range of post-secondary programs. Located in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, SGU serves primarily Native Americans of South Dakota, with a mission to provide accessible, culturally relevant education that empowers students to succeed in their chosen fields while preserving and promoting Lakota culture.
Honoring a Legacy: The Naming of Sinte Gleska University
Sinte Gleska, which translates to "Spotted Tail," was chosen as the university's name to honor the Native American Chief Spotted Tail, a leader of the Rosebud Sioux in the late 1800s. Chief Spotted Tail was deeply concerned about the education of his tribe and recognized its importance for their future. The university's motto, "Wahope unglawa sakapi hecel oyate ki Wolakota gluha tokatakiya unya pi kte," which translates to "Reenforcing our foundation for the people to go forward in the Lakota Way," reflects this commitment to both education and cultural preservation.
From Extension Center to Land-Grant University: The Evolution of SGU
Sinte Gleska University's journey began in 1971 as Rosebud College Center, an extension center offering college classes from the University of South Dakota and Black Hills State University. In 1973, a bilateral agreement with the South Dakota Board of Regents, Black Hills State University, and the University of South Dakota allowed Sinte Gleska College to offer associate’s degree programs. Four years later, upper-level courses leading to bachelor’s degrees in elementary education and human services were approved.
In 1978, Sinte Gleska College sought its own accreditation from the North Central Association of Colleges and Universities (NCA). Candidate status was granted in 1978, and in 1983, Sinte Gleska College became the first tribal college to be accredited at the baccalaureate degree level, offering bachelor’s degree programs in elementary education and human services.
Sinte Gleska University continued to expand its offerings, and in 1988, it became the first tribal college to be accredited at the master’s degree level with a Master of Science in elementary education. In 1994, SGU achieved land-grant status, joining 31 other tribal colleges in receiving this designation. In 2002, a self-study was submitted for a master’s degree in Human Services, and in 2003, the Higher Learning Commission approved a Master of Science in human services.
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A Focus on Lakota Culture and Community
Sinte Gleska University is deeply committed to serving primarily Native Americans of South Dakota. The university operates on the semester system and awards associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. The university enrolls roughly 700 students, including some 20 graduate students. Women outnumber men, and about two thirds of the undergraduates are over the age of 25.
SGU is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, a community of tribally and federally chartered institutions working to strengthen tribal nations. The college has programs in Lakota studies, including the language and aesthetics. The Great Plains Art Institute at SGU offers degrees in art and art education.
For many years, SGU hosted the Northern Plains Indian Art Market in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This event included an art show, a market where artists could sell their work, and a powwow (a traditional Native American gathering). It also featured a lecture series named after the famous artist Oscar Howe. The market helped teach people about the art, ideas, dance, and music of the Northern Plains.
SGU also works with colleges in Canada, like Red Crow Community College and Old Sun Community College.
Overcoming Challenges and Fostering Success
Sinte Gleska University has faced numerous challenges in its growth and development, including maintaining an open-enrollment policy while ensuring the integrity of its academic programs. Recruiting and retaining qualified instructional staff has also been a challenge, due to the university's location, low faculty salaries, and limited housing options. Developing culturally relevant curriculum that meets professional standards and maintaining adequate resources and support staff are ongoing priorities.
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Despite these challenges, SGU has achieved significant success in preparing students for careers and leadership roles. Graduates of the university's education program are highly sought after by local schools, and many have achieved national teacher certification. Graduates from SGU’s bachelor’s and master’s education programs are highly sought after by local schools and other employers. The graduates enjoy a high level of passing the PRAXIS test, a South Dakota state requirement for teacher certification. Three of the 15 teachers in South Dakota that achieved national teacher certification are SGU graduates. Ninety-five percent or higher have a job in their field of study waiting for them when they graduate. The business degree programs have also opened doors for tribal students, with graduates like Lauri Bordeaux, director of Sicangu Nation Employment and Training, creating employment opportunities and promoting economic development within the Rosebud Sioux Tribe.
Academic Programs: Shaping Futures and Preserving Culture
Sinte Gleska University offers a variety of academic programs designed to meet the needs of its students and the community. These programs include:
- Lakota Studies: SGU has strong programs in Lakota studies, including the language and aesthetics.
- Human Services: The Associate of Social Science degree in human services was offered from the University of South Dakota and delivered at Sinte Gleska College Center in the early 1970s. The program was one of the most popular degree programs and quickly advanced to a Bachelor of Social Science degree as part of the bilateral agreement with the South Dakota Board of Regents. This degree program was one of the first two bachelor’s degrees that NCA approved when SGU became fully accredited in 1983. The program has been a success. Sherman Marshall, Chief Judge of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, became the first graduate. He was followed by others who went on to become school counselors, juvenile detention center counselors, mental health workers in tribal treatment centers, social workers, and even instructors in the Human Services Department at SGU.
- Education: When the Rosebud College Center opened its doors in 1971, there was only one Lakota teacher on the Rosebud reservation. The founders wanted to change that. After decades of failure in schools designed to assimilate and acculturate tribal children, they wanted to transform education and develop new tribal models for its delivery to the next generation. In 1983, when Sinte Gleska prepared for NCA’s accreditation visit, the board of directors requested full accreditation at the bachelor’s level for a degree program in elementary education and special education. Ultimately, NCA approved full accreditation for Sinte Gleska College as a four-year, bachelor’s degree-granting institution. This degree became a life-changing experience for many students.
- Business: One of the graduates of the business management degree program, Lauri Bordeaux, holds the directorship of Sicangu Nation Employment and Training, the Rosebud Sioux Tribe’s labor department. Lauri has created employment opportunities for tribal members and has provided workforce development and modeled economic development through the creation of a small business in landscaping within her department.
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