NSU to award honorary Doctor to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

TAHLEQUAH, Okla.--Northeastern State University (NSU) will award an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters (L.H.D.), honoris causa, to Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. during its Spring 2026 Commencement ceremonies.

Hoskin leads the Cherokee Nation, the largest tribal nation in the United States, with more than 470,000 citizens. Since his election in 2019 and re-election in 2023, he has advanced initiatives focused on economic development, cultural preservation and community well-being, including historic investments in Cherokee language revitalization and expanded representation at the federal level.

Founded in 1851 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, NSU’s history is rooted in the Cherokee Nation’s longstanding commitment to education. That connection continues today through collaborative efforts that support student success, workforce development and cultural preservation across the region. These partnerships include Cherokee language programs, internships and initiatives such as the Cherokee Futurists program.

NSU President Rodney Hanley said the honorary degree recognizes Hoskin’s leadership and his impact on the Cherokee Nation, as well as the enduring relationship between the university and the tribe.

"Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.’s leadership reflects his deep commitment to the Cherokee people and their future,” Hanley said. “From scholarship support to innovative education initiatives, his work with NSU continues to open doors for our students and strengthen the communities we share."

Hoskin will also deliver remarks during the May 9 commencement ceremonies in Tahlequah.

Additional details about NSU’s Spring 2026 commencement ceremonies, scheduled May 8, 9 and 11, including ceremony times and livestream information, can be found at nsuok.edu/commencement.

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