(Originally published in Update: News for Ball State Employees, Nov. 14, 2007)

The Native American Faculty Advisory Committee has formed to give the Native American studies minor program a much needed update. Ball State has offered the minor program since 1980, but until recently, two of the three required core courses were not being offered. Students are now able to complete all three courses in a timely manner.

"We are basically working on redeveloping the minor to make it more suitable for a 21st century audience, and we're working on curriculum development," said Colleen Boyd, assistant professor of anthropology, director of the program and a member of the committee. "The native peoples are the first nations on this continent, and yet most Americans are unaware of their significant contributions to culture and history."

The committee, which comprises Ball State faculty members who identify themselves as Native American and non-Native-American faculty with an interest in Native American studies, will also work to recruit more Native American and other students to the minor.

"We want to help the university further develop its capacity to recruit and retain minority faculty, staff and students to Ball State," Boyd said.

Other members include Linda Lopez, a student who represents the Native American Student Association; John Boyd, assistant professor of English; Olon Dotson, assistant professor of architecture; Kenan Metzger, assistant professor of English; and Elizabeth Nesbitt, instructor of English.

"I'd certainly like our Ball State students in general to have much more access to Native-studies courses," said Nesbitt, a Miami Nation member who is completing a doctorate in American Indian studies at the University of Arizona. "I'm particularly concerned that tribal students on campus have access to Native-studies courses that are relevant within their majors and to courses that address issues that are important to them."

Boyd stressed the importance of attracting more minority students, staff and faculty to Ball State.

"Our hope is to develop greater infrastructure to support them by helping the university support faculty, staff and students who are minority and Native American," Boyd said.

Boyd said this would help Ball State "keep doing what we do well, which is bringing the best quality education and services to all our students."

For more information, contact Colleen Boyd at 765-285-3568 or ceboyd@bsu.edu.