Southeastern ranks among nation's best in producing Native American graduates

Press Release Date: 07-31-2009

DURANT, Okla. – Southeastern Oklahoma State University has once again earned high rankings from "Diverse Issues In Higher Education" magazine.

According to the publication, Southeastern ranks sixth in the nation in awarding undergraduate degrees to Native American graduates in all disciplines combined. Each year, the magazine publishes its top 100 rankings of minority graduates. In 2007-08, 28.4 percent of all Southeastern graduates were Native American.

Southeastern also ranked high nationally in awarding degrees to Native American students in the following disciplines:

• 3rd - Communication, Journalism and Related Programs
• 4th – Education
• 4th – Biological and Biomedical Sciences
• 6th – Psychology
• 6th – Visual and Performing Arts
• 8th – Computer and information Sciences & Support Services
• 10th – English Language and Literature/Letters
• 14th – Business, Management, Marketing and Related Support Services
• 19th – Social Sciences

"It is a great honor to be recognized nationally for our work with Native American students," said Southeastern interim president Larry Minks. "We have several programs to assist these students and also are fortunate to have tremendous support from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and the Chickasaw Nation. The University has benefited greatly from the many contributions these students have made over the years."