College Freshman Year Initiative

YEARBOOK2019-2020

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College Freshman Year Initiative

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TABLE OF CONTENTSTable of contents ........................................................................................................................................................3

YAKOKE! .....................................................................................................................................................................3

Program Highlights ....................................................................................................................................................4

Program Impact..........................................................................................................................................................5

Camp Chahta ..............................................................................................................................................................6

Carl Albert State College ............................................................................................................................................. 7

Eastern Oklahoma State College ................................................................................................................................ 12

Southeastern Oklahoma State University ................................................................................................................... 16

Student Employment ................................................................................................................................................20Juan Aldana ..........................................................................................................................................................20Ryan Toon .............................................................................................................................................................20

Chief’s Leadership Class ............................................................................................................................................ 21Chief’s Leadership .................................................................................................................................................. 21

Covid-19 ................................................................................................................................................................... 22College FYI students persist through adversity ........................................................................................................ 22

The College Freshman Year Initiative would like to extend a special thank you to our leadership, including:

• Paula Harp – Senior Director, Education• Jim Parrish – Executive Director, Education• Stacy Shepherd – Executive Officer, Tribal Services • Teresa Jackson – Senior Executive Officer, Tribal Services • Assistant Chief Jack Austin, Jr.• Chief Gary BattonWe are extremely thankful for the leadership throughout the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma for making this program available to our Choctaw Tribal Members.

YAKOKE!

Our VisionLiving out the Chahta spirit of Faith, Family and Culture.

Our Mission To the Choctaw proud, ours is the sovereign nation offering opportunities for growth and prosperity.

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PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTSThrough the College Freshman Year Initiative (FYI), we look to unify the community of Choctaw students and empower them to make informed decisions about their academic futures. With the assistance of First Year Experience coordinators and partnerships with various campuses across the state, Choctaw students will find the appropriate tools to achieve their goals through graduation.

Jamie Irwin is the Director of College Freshman Year Initiative. Jamie is a Choctaw Nation tribal member from Hartshorne, Oklahoma. She received her associate degree from Eastern Oklahoma State College. She then went on to obtain her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from East Central University. Jamie worked in the public education system for eighteen years before accepting a position with Choctaw Nation in the fall of 2015. She previously served as the Choctaw Nation Success Coach at Eastern Oklahoma State College before being promoted to Director.

Two Year First Year National Conference

The College FYI program at Eastern Oklahoma State College presented at the TYFY National Conference in Seattle, Washington. Their session highlighted the innovative ways in which a college and tribal nation partnership cultivates strong relationships and provides necessary tools for student success.

NODA Region IV Annual Conference

The College FYI program at Eastern Oklahoma State College was chosen to present at the NODA Region IV Conference about their unique ways to make financial literacy fun. NODA is an association for orientation, transition, and retention in Higher Education.

End of Year Survey2019-2020 College FYI students completed a survey to assess student satisfaction. 92% stated that College FYI had a significant impact on their freshman year. Additional benefits indicated in chart

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Lindsey Henry is the Program Specialist for College Freshman Year Initiative. Lindsey is a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal member from Antlers, Oklahoma. She graduated from Southeastern Oklahoma State University in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Lindsey has worked for Choctaw Nation since March 2011 and College FYI since February 2016. She previously served as the Choctaw Nation Success Coach at Southeastern Oklahoma State University before accepting a position as Program Specialist in January 2019.

PROGRAM IMPACTCollege FYI served approximately 162 freshman

Tribal Members between the following campuses: Carl Albert

State CollegeEastern Oklahoma

State CollegeSoutheastern Oklahoma

State University

86% of students who earned orientation credit during Camp

Chahta continued their education in Spring 2020.

Campus breakdowns are as follows:

• 85% retention at CASC • 85% retention at EOSC• 88% retention at SOSU

87% of students who contracted with College FYI

for 2019-2020 continued their education in Spring 2020.

Campus breakdowns are as follows:

• 89% retention at CASC• 93% retention at EOSC• 81% retention at SOSU

College FYI provided $20,750 in scholarship funds for the 2018-2019 year. These students met the following

eligibility requirements: • Completed the CFYI program at CASC, EOSC or SOSU.• Maintained good academic standing.• Attended at least 80% of individual meetings and events for College FYI.

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In Fall 2019 a total of 108 Choctaw Tribal Members attended Camp Chahta at our three campuses: Carl Albert, Eastern and Southeastern. This was the largest group of students in the history of the College FYI program.

These students were brought on campus early to network with campus faculty and staff, Choctaw Nation leadership, and other new students. In addition, they were able to experience the Choctaw culture, learn about Choctaw Nation programs, and resolve any financial paperwork through the campus.

CAMP CHAHTA

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CARL ALBERT STATE COLLEGE

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2019-2020 Campus Highlights

Katie Herr is the College FYI First Year Experience (FYE) Coordinator at Carl Albert State College (CASC). Katie is a Choctaw Nation tribal member from Poteau, Oklahoma. She graduated with her associate degree from CASC, then went on to earn her bachelor’s in psychology at Northeastern State University. Katie previously worked in the mental health field for four years and has been in her current position with Choctaw Nation since June 2017.

Random Acts of Kindness

CASC College FYI students visited the local nursing home to deliver gift bags to residents. These gift bags included corn husk dolls that were made during Heritage Month events.

Honoring Our HeritageThe College FYI program at CASC partnered with the college to bring a week-long celebration of Native American Heritage Month for all students and staff to enjoy.

Stress Free Zone CASC College FYI students were able to relieve some stress from finals by painting, making slime and participating in other activities for “Stress Less Week.”

STUDENT QUOTE “My favorite College FYI memory would have to be the first week when we met everybody. I made a couple of friends that I hang out with and see nearly every day. I’m happy this group gave me new lifelong friends.”

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Student Ambassadors

Maddison Colwell Mason Colwell Jagger Meshaya Ryan Toon

Bryce Armstrong Braxton Bailey Alizah Baker Ivan Baker, Jr. Cheyenne Barnes

Drew Benefield LaDonna Birchfield Dawson Blair Victoria Blemmel Ashlyn Branham

Olivia Bridges Kynsie Brown Sarah Busse Kaitlin Carter Megan Charlton

Carl Albert State College Freshmen

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Devon Coleman Kailee Daney Isabella Fields Raelyn Herell Haylee Himes

Lillian Howard Chayla Huggins Nicholas John Versile Johnson III Raven Kenner

Elizabeth LeMay Samantha Lopez Jaida Luper Ryan Makerney Drucille Martin

Laney May Conager McBroom Marlene Miller Preston Moreland Abbigail Newby

Kasi Noah Ayla Oare Karis Partridge Rilegh Pate Carlie Powell

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STUDENT QUOTE “Katie, thank you for all that you have done to guide me through my freshman year of college. I am so thankful for you and your program. I would have been so lost without your guidance! Not only did you guide, but you also put me and the other students first. You made us feel like we could do it and that we could accomplish our goals. Sophomore year will be different not having our weekly meetings, but I know you’ve set us up for great success. Thank you for all you have done!!”

Graeson Ramsey Abree Singleterry Shae Singleterry Trever Sockey Tyler Sockey

Kendal Stinson Amber Taylor Laney Tiffee Kieran Tom Elizabeth Waldrop

Kristen Watson Ashton Willis Savannah Young

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EASTERN OKLAHOMA STATE COLLEGE

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Melissa Juarez is the First Year Experience (FYE) Coordinator at Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC). Melissa is a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal member from Panola, Oklahoma. She earned her associate degree from Eastern Oklahoma State College, then went on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and a master’s degree in clinical rehabilitation/clinical mental health counseling from East Central University. Melissa previously worked in education and has been in her current position with Choctaw Nation since January 2017.

2019-2020 Campus Highlights

STUDENT QUOTE “Melissa, you devote a lot of your time, not just to me but to all the others in your program. I would like to thank you for helping me with any questions I’ve had throughout the year. You have been helpful with keeping me up on applications and due dates for those applications. And thank you for all the reminders of gas vouchers which really helped throughout the year.”

Native NovemberStudents at EOSC participated in activities for Native November. During this week-long event, students enjoyed Indian tacos and participated in multiple activities including Rock-Your-Mocs, stickball and Native art painting.

Money MattersEOSC hosted Financial Literacy Week, and students participated in financial activities and games such as Cash Cab. Students were asked various finance related questions and received prizes for answering correctly. In addition, students completed a mock FAFSA in preparation of applying for the 2020-2021 school year.

Join the FunEOSC College FYI hosted a booth for incoming freshman at Mountaineer Mania. Students were able to stop by and learn about what College FYI has to offer from FYE Coordinator, Melissa Juarez and Director, Jamie Irwin.

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Student Ambassadors

Lawrence Wood Sydney Shelton

Shaelyn Brown Cade Buchanan Chasity Busby Makayla Campagna Georgie Cantrell

Carson Cheek Brittny Doyle-Wilson

Blake Dull Nolan Feazle Gabriel Gibson

Rachelle Hatcher Cheyenne Holman Kayla Jean Clara Johnson Kylie Jolley

Eastern Oklahoma State College Freshmen

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Alissa Kindred Jaycee Kitchell Lani Monks Shandee Noah Trevor Roberts

Ralee Roberts Ethan Robertson Hallie Sutterfield Madison Wall Cassidy Ward

STUDENT QUOTE “You have significantly helped me get through my first year of college, and more years to come. I am thankful for you and your extra help! I love being a part of your team and program as well. You have went completely out of your way to help me throughout this year. Any confusion I’ve had, you were always there to help. I honestly don’t know what I would have done without you. No matter how dumb I have felt at times of confusion, you have never judged me. You have made my first year of college a complete success, through all the hard times and struggles. You have definitely helped me overcome them.”

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Celebrating SuccessNineteen College FYI students at Southeastern Oklahoma State University were recognized at the Freshman Success Reception for achieving at or above a 3.25 GPA for their first semester.

STUDENT QUOTE “You helped me stay in line, keep my grades up, and supplied me with gas vouchers. You have also helped me grow closer to many more people, making new friends and memories. This is my first year of college and it was one for the books. I don’t think it would’ve been the same without you!”

Kelsi Rainwater is the College FYI First Year Experience (FYE) Coordinator at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU). Kelsi is a Choctaw Nation tribal member from Marietta, Oklahoma. She earned her bachelor’s degree in liberal and applied studies from SOSU in December 2017. Before starting her career with Choctaw Nation, Kelsi was an active member of the Southeastern community as a student. She accepted a position with Choctaw Nation in November 2017 and has been in her current position as FYE Coordinator since January 2019.

2019-2020 Campus Highlights

Technology BreakfastTwenty-three College FYI students at Southeastern Oklahoma State University woke up early on their day off to complete their Technology Allowance application.

TailgateThe College FYI program at Southeastern Oklahoma State University hosted a tailgate for Homecoming. Students enjoyed snacks and celebrated before the big game.

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Student Ambassadors

Jacey Angello Heaven Brown Jessica Robbins

Lesli Armstrong Bailey Beard Bethani Bishop Maddison Campbell Krissy Collins

Madeline Dills Jakob Dry James Dry Josie Frazier Lea Haase

Coby Harris Justice Hartman Nathan Hawks Kreed Heiskell Haley Hicks

Southeastern Oklahoma State University Freshmen

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Lauren House Shay James Jaci Joines William Loehr Baylee Miller

Mikayla Miller Britta Montgomery Marli Nagel McKinna Nagel Callie Palmer

Jillian Parker Haiven Perry Ashleigh Pittman Seth Prizznick Darren Rios

Jackson Self Kendra St. Clair Cheyenne Tyler Malori Underwood Jarrett Vantrees

Travis Wade Deanna Wall Nicholas White Sabrina Williams Dominic Wynn

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STUDENT EMPLOYMENT

Juan Aldana was selected as the College FYI Student Worker at Southeastern Oklahoma State University due to his outstanding attendance during his time in the CFYI program. Juan, as a student worker, helped with such tasks as CFYI workshops, promotional events, supporting the SOSU Native American Institute, office duties and Native American Graduation. Our program benefited greatly from Juan’s work.

Juan Aldana

Ryan Toon was selected as the College FYI Student Worker at Carl Albert State College due to his hard work and dedication to the CFYI program. During his time as a Student Worker, Ryan helped with various aspects of the College FYI program, including Camp Chahta, CFYI workshops, promotional events and various office duties. He was a big help and we’re so happy to have had him!

Ryan Toon

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CHIEF’S LEADERSHIP CLASS

L to R: Chief Batton, Benny Jones, Darrell “Shane” Timmons, MaKenzie Green, Ayme Warren, Dallas Terry and Jake Sommers.

Chief’s Leadership The Chief’s Leadership Class is a one year only program designed to advance leadership skills, cultural knowledge, academic prowess and personal development. College FYI works diligently with community leaders, college/university administrators, and tribal leaders to provide a valuable experience for our outstanding Choctaw college students.

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COVID-19College FYI students persist through adversity

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COVID-19College FYI students persist through adversity

800-522-6170 EXT 2292 | COLLEGEFYI@CHOCTAWNATION.COMPO BOX 1210 | DURANT, OK 74702-1210

COLLEGE FRESHMAN YEAR INITIATIVE

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN COLLEGE?

918-647-1423 918-465-1705

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580-745-3314

Must be a Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma tribal member

CONTACT A FIRST YEAR EXPERIENCE COORDINATOR AT ONE OF THESE COLLEGES