Dorreen Yellow Bird of The Grand Forks Herald interviews Robert Kelley, the new president of the University of North Dakota, whose "Fighting Sioux" nickname and logo have been controversial.
"Q. How do you feel about the Fighting Sioux nickname issue?
A. As you know, the decision on the nickname is not mine. It rests with the State Board of Higher Education and the chancellor working with the state board. They are working through a defined process now that, which generate a decision, one way or the other.
My job at that point will be to find a way to thoughtfully and wisely carry our community through that decision and on to the next step for UND.
Q. What about the relationship between UND and the tribal colleges?
A. We have a number of programs for Native Americans. We have the Native American Center for students on campus, and we have outreach all across the state. I like to say North Dakota is our campus.
I was talking with Cynthia Lindquist at Cankdeska Cikana Community College at Fort Totten, N.D., the other day. We were exploring ways to have a stronger presence at tribal college campuses. We have lots of technology and programs that lend themselves to students at thoe colleges.
UND is interested in reaching out to tribal colleges across the state in some new and innovative ways."
Get the Story:Dorreen Yellow Bird: Prairie Voices: Change of command at UND (The Grand Forks Herald 9/7)
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