NSUBA Librarian Explores American Indian Issues at Conference

BROKEN ARROW Ensuring academic success among American Indian students is one thing about which Dr. Pamela Louderback is most passionate. Her Iroquois heritage was a major factor in her recent research about American Indians experiences in higher education at Northeastern State University.

As a student, Ive faced some of the challenges inherent with an environment that lacks role models and professors, embraces a dichotomous view of cultural values, and includes cases of negative stereotypes and racist beliefs and attitudes, said Louderback. I chose to research the issue of American Indians in higher education in the hopes of making a positive difference in improving the quality of life and sense of well-being for future students college-going experiences.

The NSU Broken Arrow Services Librarian recently made a presentation on her research at the 11th Pacific Rim First Year in Higher Education Conference held in Hobart, Tasmania.

Her presentation, Successful first year experiences: Sociocultural factors for Indigenous peoples, was based on information she compiled while conducting research for her college dissertation. She was one of only three presenters from outside Australia selected to present at the conference based on a proposal she submitted.

I introduced data from a recent research study that identified non-cognitive factors that promote academic success during the first year of college, said Louderback. My presentation provided a backdrop to understanding the unique social and cultural contexts of American Indians in academics.

The focus of Louderbacks research at Northeastern, how personal efficacy influences academic performance, shares many similarities with Australian research, as they each focus on improving partnerships and pathways for Indigenous people to progress in college, especially during the first year.

Im interested in assessing conditions that enhance the educational effectiveness of American Indians students who enter into higher education so they may successfully navigate the process toward attaining a degree, said Louderback. I plan to extend my future research to all freshmen to define and understand student success and help in creating better practices for student success.

The conference was held at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, located on the waterfront in Hobart with panoramic views over the Derwent River, Mount Wellington and the city. The conference presented a mix of innovative approaches to engage first year students in a variety of areas from both an Australian and international perspective.

Louderback also attended a conference dinner where researchers from the Tasmanian Devil Conservation Park shared research on efforts to save the endangered marsupial.

Louderback is currently collaborating with faculty in Australia on future research projects on Indigenous people and strategies for success.

I hope to gain a broader, more global perspective on the similarities and differences of all indigenous peoples who successfully navigate mainstream educational institutions through these partnerships, said Louderback. Especially the impact it has on their social and emotional well-being. Im starting with Australia and working my way around the globe.

8/13/2008

Published: 2008-08-14 00:00:00