USAO’s NASNTI Office Awarded $152,260 Supplemental Grant to Support Student Services
The University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma’s Native American-Serving Non-Tribal Institutions office has been awarded a $152,260 supplemental grant to expand its student services programs, which will benefit a wide range of students, including Native American students and traditionally underserved student populations.
“This grant allows us to help more students who need laptops, ensuring equal access to education for all our students,” said Kendall Walker, NASNTI program director. "With these new resources, we can further eliminate barriers to education and create more opportunities for students to thrive.”
The Nash Library’s laptop lending program has experienced rapid growth, with students checking out laptops at such a fast rate that many were unable to request one. By Spring 2024, the program had run out of laptops entirely, highlighting the urgent need for additional devices. The grant will fund 32 more laptops, providing critical academic access and remote options for mental health services. Once a full-time mental health professional is hired, students will be able to participate in virtual counseling sessions, ensuring that support is accessible regardless of location or scheduling conflicts.
Additionally, the grant will help launch the new NASNTI Ambassador Program, providing students with leadership and professional development opportunities. As ambassadors, students will gain hands-on experience in areas like marketing and program evaluation, helping to implement NASNTI initiatives and equipping them with practical skills in program management.
Key members of the NASNTI team supporting this effort include Kendall Walker, director; Jennifer Flores, administrative assistant; Anne Tsonetokoy, instructional designer; and Melanie Bilyeu, instructional technology specialist. Their collaboration will enhance wrap-around services at the Neill-Wint Center for Neurodiversity and offer leadership opportunities through the NASNTI Ambassador program.
About the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma
As Oklahoma’s liberal arts college, the University of Science & Arts of Oklahoma provides
a distinctive education in the liberal arts and sciences, supporting both its interdisciplinary
core curriculum and major fields of study with superior teaching. USAO fosters diversity
of thought and practice to help students realize meaningful, purposeful and productive
lives as global citizens in a rapidly-changing world.