Bacone College announces a partnership with Pawnee Nation College – the first time for such a tribal school agreement.

Both school presidents signed the official paperwork during the spring Bacone Board of Trustee meetings.

The coalition makes Bacone the tribal school’s accreditation partner.

Pawnee Nation College (PNC) established in 2004 by the Pawnee Business Council, the governing body of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma.

Located in Pawnee, PNC offers four programs of study – construction management and technology, business administration, American Indian Studies, and health, human and public services.

According to a YouTube video featuring Pawnee Nation College President Dr. Todd Fuller, it began as a boarding school for grade school kids.

Their goal as a tribal college is to nurture Indian students who want to succeed in higher education, Fuller says in the promotional video.

The Bacone-Pawnee partnership will provide enrollment for students in cross-listed programs, according to Bacone President Rev. Dr. Robert J. Duncan, Jr.

“Tribal colleges have been doing this for a while, but it is the first time for Bacone,” said Duncan. “It’s a nice way for us to complete the circle and take a step forward.”

Signing the articulation agreement with Pawnee Nation College is part of a long-term strategy, “that shows Bacone is connected to an Oklahoma nation,” he said.

“This is really a great step in Bacone’s future,” said Duncan, “to bring students here in a very new way.”

The collaborative effort began with a letter of intent from both institutional governing bodies to initiate discussions followed by a memorandum of understanding to commit both institutions, according to Dr. Pete G. Coser, Bacone College assistant vice president and director of the Center for American Indians.

“I believe this is an outstanding effort by Bacone College that addresses the mission of Bacone,” said Coser.

Bacone will serve as the accrediting body for the Pawnee Nation College, "as it grows and matures while simultaneously seeking accreditation."

The Bacone-PNC agreement will be used, Coser said, until the Pawnee Nation College achieves accreditation.

Thereafter, the two institutions will continue to assist and support each other through a continous effort, he added.

"This is a historic effort between Bacone College and the PNC," said Coser, "as they continue to meet their missions of serving American Indian students."

As he reflected upon the partnership, Coser said significant thoughts include the recognition of autonomy of the Pawnee Nation College as a tribal college, and the sovereign status of the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma, "and that this effort supports the mission of Bacone College."