Byrd to serve as NSU Director for the Center for Tribal Studies

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University has selected Dr. Joseph Byrd as director for the Center for Tribal Studies. Byrd officially took over his new post on May 1.

“As a scholar and alumni of this institution, it is my privilege to pick up the mantle of previous directors and fulfill the Center’s legacy of providing resources for American Indian students,” Byrd said.

In his new role, Byrd will oversee the development and implementation of programs, conferences, publications and events related to the CTS mission in addition to supporting the  American Indian student populations at NSU, as well as managing grant and external funding.

“My hope is to increase student engagement across all campuses, to continue being a resource for students, and to provide additional scholarly and community programming,” Byrd said.

Byrd holds a bachelor of business administration in hospitality & tourism management from NSU. He went on to attend the University of Tulsa College of Law, receiving a Master of Jurisprudence Indian Law in 2016 before attending the University of New Mexico School of Law in 2020, earning his Juris Doctor.

Prior to his return to higher education, Byrd served as Chairman of the Quapaw Nation, overseeing all governmental programs and services and was Chief Executive of all business entities of the tribal nation.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Byrd return to his alma mater,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said. “With his expertise and dedication, we are confident in his ability to lead and empower our Native students.”

CTS has been one of the central resources on campus since its inception in 1990. The center focuses on supporting academic effectiveness, enhancing the quality of student experiences, initiating scholarly activities, bridging communication between tribal nations and the university and enriching the cultural heritage of the NSU community.

To learn more about CTS, visit cts.nsuok.edu.

NSU has been a national leader in American Indian education since 1851. As a top university for Native American undergraduate and graduate students, Northeastern has a longstanding history of serving more American Indian scholars than any other school in the nation. The university is currently ranked second among 4-year colleges conferring bachelor’s degrees to American Indians.

 

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