Skip Navigation
 

Gather Here. Go Far

With locations in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow, NSU is Oklahoma’s immersive learning institution. Choose from in-person, blended or online learning options.

Explore Our Degrees

Scholarships

NSU is committed to assisting students in applying and earning scholarships. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a continuing/returning student, NSU has a wide variety of scholarship options for students to choose from.

Learn More

Clubs and Organizations

From networking to leadership opportunities, NSU’s over 80 clubs and organizations allow our students to build lasting relationships while getting the full college experience.

Learn More

Transfer Students

Whether you’re an incoming or current transfer student, NSU’s transfer advisors are available to assist you with transcript evaluation, information on degree programs and support services. NSU is where You Belong.

More Information

Graduate College

Whether transitioning to graduate school or returning to higher education, NSU’s graduate college is your next step. Choose from over 25 master's degrees and several certificate programs.

Learn More
Home/Riverhawk News/Miss Indian Oklahoma

Miss Indian Oklahoma

Miss-Indian-Oklahoma-Madison-WhitekillerTAHLEQUAH — Cherokee Nation citizen Madison Whitekiller’s education at Northeastern State University began as a non-STEM major despite her interest in the field.

The 2021-2022 Miss Indian Oklahoma winner said she had never met a Native American in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) field before starting her education at the university.

However, with the support of mentors like Dr. Cammi Valdez, assistant professor of chemistry at NSU, Whitekiller was able to make the transition to a biochemistry major and begin laboratory research on campus.

Now, Whitekiller is hoping to use her role as Miss Indian Oklahoma to encourage young Native Americans to pursue the same field she has grown so passionate about.

“I want to use my year as Miss Indian Oklahoma to encourage the students who have a passion for STEM to pursue it and help better our tribes in the process,” Whitekiller said.

Whitekiller’s platform is titled, “Guiding Native American Youth to Discover Success Through STEM.”

Whitekiller graduated from NSU with her bachelor’s degree on Dec. 18 but will continue to fulfill her duties as Miss Indian Oklahoma as part of her post-graduation life by being involved in Tribal communities through cultural appearances and service events.

Madison-Whitekiller-2021-GraduationThe Oklahoma Federation of Indian Women started the Miss Indian Oklahoma pageant in 1973. Today the competition focuses not only on the beauty of the American Indian woman, but also their current issues, academics and cultural traditions. Whitekiller was crowned the latest Miss Indian Oklahoma in November.

Whitekiller attributes much of her personal growth to the community of educators and students at NSU, namely those at the Native American Support Center, Center for Tribal Studies and the chemistry department.

After graduation, Whitekiller plans to attend medical school to become a physician and serve Tribal communities.

“I want to train to become a physician and work in rural or underserved communities with a high Native American population,” Whitekiller said. “Indigenous people face incredibly high rates of health disparities, and I want to have even just a small impact on reducing these rates.”