> ![](media/image1.png)
>
> Strengthening Academic Competitiveness for Tribal Colleges and
> Universities
>
> A Technical Assistance Workshop
>
> Ramada Mall of America, 2300 East American Blvd.,
>
> Bloomington, MN
>
> November 28-29, 2007
>
> White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities
>
> ![](media/image2.png){width="5.5in" height="1.5in"}November 28, 2007

Greetings and welcome!

> It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the Technical Assistance
> Workshop, *Strengthening Academic Competitiveness for Tribal Colleges
> and Universities.* This is the second annual workshop that the White
> House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities (WHITCU) has
> offered for the nation's Tribal Colleges and Universities. It responds
> to Executive Order 13270, that reaffirms tribal colleges and
> universities (TCUs) are fully recognized and have unfettered access to
> federal programs benefiting higher education. We understand and
> recognize the fact that TCUs are both integral and essential to their
> communities. It is in this spirit of education and collaboration that
> WHITCU is pleased to offer this event.

All Americans deserve the opportunity for high quality, post-secondary
education. In keeping with the Tribal Colleges and Universities
tradition of offering high quality education to thousands of students,
as well as providing much needed job training and other support for
economic development in Indian Country, we welcome your participation.
We hope the exchange of ideas and opportunities serves to strengthen the
capacity of each institution.

> We have a high number of presenters at this conference. Eighteen
> agency programs will be presented during this 2-day session. Since
> last year's session we have worked with many agencies and discussed
> capacity-building opportunities for the TCUs. Many of the programs
> being discussed during this session currently have an open request for
> proposals, or the RFP will be out shortly. Several presenters will
> discuss ongoing program opportunities that you might wish to clarify
> any questions you have as you prepare to apply for a grant.
>
> This workshop can support your specific goals and efforts to seek new
> funding opportunities, clarify concerns, and offer the presenters time
> to hear from you---their constituents---on the ways to help their
> programs meet your students' needs. Strong, positive interaction can
> ultimately assist in long-term development and strengthen
> institutional viability at each of your colleges.
>
> Please let us know what we can do to help fulfill your goals for
> attending this conference here in Minneapolis.
>
> Sincerely,
>
> DEBORAH J. CAVETT
>
> EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

  -------------- ----------- ------ ------------------ --------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------
  **AGENDA**                                                                                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                       **[SESSION]{.underline}**                                               **[PRESENTER]{.underline}**   **[ROOM]{.underline}**

                                                                                                                                                             

  **Wednesday,                                                                                                                                               
  November 28,                                                                                                                                               
  2007**                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **7:30**           **Registration**                                                                                                         

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **9:00**           **Opening Plenary                                                                          Gen. John Hawkins             Pueblo 154
                                    Session**                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                               U.S. Army Reserve             

                 **10:00**          **Break**                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **10:30**          **Break-out                                                                                                              
                                    Sessions**                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **A                       **Department of Energy**                                                Steve Morello                 Apache 157
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Renewable and Sustainable                                                                             
                                                       Energy as the Future of                                                                               
                                                       Indian Economics                                                                                      

                                                                                   *Importance of renewable and sustainable                                  
                                                                                   energy in Indian Country and the potential                                
                                                                                   for curricula development and degree                                      
                                                                                   programs at the TCUs.*                                                    

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **B                       **Department of Education**                                             Bernadette Hence              Arapaho 301
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Grant Strategies to                                                                                   
                                                       Increase Minority STEM                                                                                
                                                       Graduates                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Understand how the Minority Science and                                  
                                                                                   Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP)                                   
                                                                                   grant can help increase enrollment,                                       
                                                                                   retention, and graduation of minorities                                   
                                                                                   majoring in the STEM fields.*                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **C                       **Nuclear Regulatory                                                    Carol Walls                   Blackfoot 257
                             -**                       Commission**                                                                                          

                                                       The NRC\'s Outreach                                                                                   
                                                       Partnership Program                                                                                   

                                                                                   *Overview of the Energy Policy Act of 2005                                
                                                                                   (EP Act), as it relates to establishing                                   
                                                                                   outreach partnership programs with IHEs.                                  
                                                                                   Minority Serving Institutions Program,                                    
                                                                                   grants programs, and other support will be                                
                                                                                   discussed. Explanation of the grant process                               
                                                                                   and tips for successful applications.*                                    

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **D                       **Department of Health and                                              Amanda Bryans                 Cheyenne 258
                             -**                       Human Services**                                                                                      

                                                       TCUs and Head Start:                                                                                  
                                                       Working Together to Improve                                                                           
                                                       Teacher Credentials                                                                                   

                                                                                   *Overview of grants awarded by the Office                                 
                                                                                   of Head Start to Tribal Colleges and                                      
                                                                                   Universities, including funding criteria,                                 
                                                                                   desired outcomes and success stories.*                                    

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **E                       **Department of                                                         Janine Ashe                   Choctaw 302
                             -**                       Transportation**                                                                                      

                                                       Native American                                                         Hoodo Mohamed                 
                                                       Participation in the FHWA                                                                             
                                                       On-the-Job Training                                                                                   
                                                       Supportive Services Program                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *On-the-Job Training Supportive Services                                  
                                                                                   programs, Business Opportunity Workforce                                  
                                                                                   Development Centers (BOWDC) and National                                  
                                                                                   Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI).*                                  

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **F                       **Institute of Museum and                                               Schroeder Cherry              Crow 303
                             -**                       Library Services**                                                                                    

                                                       News You Can Use about                                                                                
                                                       Funding from the IMLS                                                                                 

                                                                                   *Explanation of IMLS grant opportunities                                  
                                                                                   for tribal communities in collaboration                                   
                                                                                   with museums and libraries.*                                              

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **11:45**          **Luncheon**                                                                               Jackie Old Coyote             Cherokee

                                                                                                                               The Harvard Project           

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **1:15**           **Break-out                                                                                                              
                                    Sessions**                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **G                       **Department of Energy**                                                Steve Morello                 Apache 157
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Renewable and Sustainable                                                                             
                                                       Energy as the Future of                                                                               
                                                       Indian Economics                                                                                      

                                                                                   *Importance of renewable and sustainable                                  
                                                                                   energy in Indian Country and the potential                                
                                                                                   for curricula development and degree                                      
                                                                                   programs at the TCUs.*                                                    

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **H                       **National Endowment for                                                Sonia Feigenbaum              Arapaho 301
                             -**                       the Humanities**                                                                                      

                                                       Getting Funded in the                                                                                 
                                                       Humanities: A Look at                                                                                 
                                                       Funding Opportunities at                                                                              
                                                       the NEH                                                                                               

                                                                                   *Overview of the various divisions and                                    
                                                                                   grant competitions at the NEH. She will                                   
                                                                                   focus on grants available in the Division                                 
                                                                                   of Public Programs, and specifically, those                               
                                                                                   available for Tribal Colleges and                                         
                                                                                   Universities.*                                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **I                       **Office of the Director of                                             Lenora Peters Gant            Blackfoot 257
                             -**                       National Intelligence**                                                                               

                                                       Partnership for America\'s                                              H. Alan Trask                 
                                                       National Security                                                                                     

                                                                                   *Mutual benefit opportunities among TCUs                                  
                                                                                   and the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC)                                  
                                                                                   through the ODNI IC Centers of Academic                                   
                                                                                   Excellence in National Security Studies (IC                               
                                                                                   CAE) Program.*                                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **J                       **Environmental Protection                                              Thomas Barnwell               Cheyenne 258
                             -**                       Agency**                                                                                              

                                                       Research Grants and                                                                                   
                                                       Fellowships Sponsored by                                                                              
                                                       EPA\'s National Center for                                                                            
                                                       Environmental Research                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Learn about the EPA\'s Office of Research                                
                                                                                   Development (ORD), the National Center for                                
                                                                                   Environmental Research\'s role in ORD,                                    
                                                                                   Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants                                  
                                                                                   program, STAR and GRO fellowships, and                                    
                                                                                   Small Business Innovative Research.*                                      

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **K                       **National Endowment for                                                Cathy Vass                    Choctaw 302
                             -**                       the Arts**                                                                                            

                                                       Funding for Arts Projects                                                                             

                                                                                   *Funding opportunities with the NEA,                                      
                                                                                   including national initiatives such as* The                               
                                                                                   Big Read; *and at state art agencies and                                  
                                                                                   regional art agencies.*                                                   

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **L                       **Department of Education**                                             Virginia Pinkney              Crow 303
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Student Support Services                                                                              
                                                       Programs - Suggestions for                                                                            
                                                       Success                                                                                               

                                                                                   *Suggestions on how to effectively address                                
                                                                                   the seven selection criteria used to                                      
                                                                                   evaluate the SSS Program applications. What                               
                                                                                   to expect from staff prior to submitting an                               
                                                                                   application, during the review process and                                
                                                                                   after funding decisions.*                                                 

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **2:30**           **Break**                                                                                                                

                 **3:00**           **Break-out                                                                                                              
                                    Sessions**                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **M                       **National Board for                                                    Treopia Washington            Apache 157
                             -**                       Professional Teaching                                                                                 
                                                       Standards**                                                                                           

                                                       National Board                                                                                        
                                                       Certification: A Commitment                                                                           
                                                       to Culturally Responsive                                                                              
                                                       Teaching and Learning                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Information and materials related to the                                 
                                                                                   National Board Certification process and                                  
                                                                                   its potential support to Tribal College                                   
                                                                                   teacher education through the "Take One"                                  
                                                                                   program; and, the "Take One" project                                      
                                                                                   currently being conducted with teachers at                                
                                                                                   schools on Pine Ridge and Rosebud                                         
                                                                                   Reservations in South Dakota.*                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **N                       **Department of the                                                     Brian Mercier                 Arapaho 301
                             -**                       Treasury**                                                                                            

                                                       Community Development                                                                                 
                                                       Financial Institutions                                                                                
                                                       (CDFIs) and Tribal Colleges                                                                           

                                                                                   *Funding available for the development of                                 
                                                                                   CDFIs affiliated with the TCUs. CDFIs                                     
                                                                                   provide financing, developmental services                                 
                                                                                   that are complimentary to the TCU\'s                                      
                                                                                   mission of developing members\' financial                                 
                                                                                   independence and The Fund is interested in                                
                                                                                   providing technical assistance to TCUs for                                
                                                                                   developing Individual Development Accounts                                
                                                                                   (IDA) for their students.*                                                

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **O                       **Department of Education**                                             Trini Torres-Carrion          Blackfoot 257
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Title III Discretionary                                                                               
                                                       Grant Programs and the                                                                                
                                                       Native American and Alaska                                                                            
                                                       Native Children in School                                                                             
                                                       Program                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Learn about Title III Discretionary Grant                                
                                                                                   Programs that focus on the Native American                                
                                                                                   and Alaska Native Children in School                                      
                                                                                   Program. These grants support language                                    
                                                                                   instruction educational projects for                                      
                                                                                   Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students                                
                                                                                   and professional development for teachers                                 
                                                                                   \-- including teachers who instruct in                                    
                                                                                   Native American languages.*                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **P                       **Department of Education**                                             James Laws                    Cheyenne 258
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Title III Update on the                                                                               
                                                       TCCU Program                                                                                          

                                                                                   *Update grantees and other interested in                                  
                                                                                   Title III, Tribally Controlled Colleges and                               
                                                                                   Universities Program. The 2008                                            
                                                                                   Appropriation and College Cost Reduction                                  
                                                                                   Access Act will be discussed.*                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **Q                       **Institute of Museum and                                               Schroeder Cherry              Crow 303
                             -**                       Library Services**                                                                                    

                                                       News You Can Use about                                                                                
                                                       Funding from the IMLS                                                                                 

                                                                                   *Explanation of IMLS grant opportunities                                  
                                                                                   for tribal communities in collaboration                                   
                                                                                   with museums and libraries.*                                              

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **4:15**           **Adjourn**                                                                                                              

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

  **Thursday,                                                                                                                                                
  November 29,                                                                                                                                               
  2007**                                                                                                                                                     

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **9:00**           **Break-out                                                                                                              
                                    Sessions**                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **R                       **Department of Education**                                             Joel Harrell                  Apache 157
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Federal Student Aid Update                                                                            

                                                                                   *Provide participants with an overview of                                 
                                                                                   the most recent legislative and regulatory                                
                                                                                   changes in the Title IV Federal Student                                   
                                                                                   Financial Aid Programs. Special emphasis                                  
                                                                                   will be placed on the recently enacted                                    
                                                                                   College Cost Reduction and Access Act and                                 
                                                                                   its impact on Title IV participating                                      
                                                                                   institutions and students.*                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **S                       **Environmental Protection                                              Thomas Barnwell               Arapaho 301
                             -**                       Agency**                                                                                              

                                                       Research Grants and                                                                                   
                                                       Fellowships Sponsored by                                                                              
                                                       EPA\'s National Center for                                                                            
                                                       Environmental Research                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Learn about the EPA\'s Office of Research                                
                                                                                   Development (ORD), the National Center for                                
                                                                                   Environmental Research\'s role in ORD,                                    
                                                                                   Science to Achieve Results (STAR) grants                                  
                                                                                   program, STAR and GRO fellowships, and                                    
                                                                                   Small Business Innovative Research.*                                      

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **T                       **National Board for                                                    Treopia Washington            Blackfoot 257
                             -**                       Professional Teaching                                                                                 
                                                       Standards**                                                                                           

                                                       National Board                                                                                        
                                                       Certification: A Commitment                                                                           
                                                       to Culturally Responsive                                                                              
                                                       Teaching and Learning                                                                                 

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Information and materials related to the                                 
                                                                                   National Board Certification process and                                  
                                                                                   its potential support to Tribal College                                   
                                                                                   teacher education through the "Take One"                                  
                                                                                   program; and, the "Take One" project                                      
                                                                                   currently being conducted with teachers at                                
                                                                                   schools on Pine Ridge and Rosebud                                         
                                                                                   Reservations in South Dakota.*                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **U                       **Department of                                                         Chad Parker                   Cheyenne 258
                             -**                       Agriculture**                                                                                         

                                                       Tribal College Facilities                                                                             
                                                       Grant                                                                                                 

                                                                                   *Description of how USDA administers the                                  
                                                                                   Tribal College Grant program.*                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **V                       **National Endowment for                                                Cathy Vass                    Choctaw 302
                             -**                       the Arts**                                                                                            

                                                       Funding for Arts Projects                                                                             

                                                                                   *Funding opportunities with the NEA,                                      
                                                                                   including national initiatives such as* The                               
                                                                                   Big Read; *and at state art agencies and                                  
                                                                                   regional art agencies.*                                                   

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **W                       **Department of Education**                                             Virginia Pinkey               Crow 303
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Student Support Services                                                                              
                                                       Programs - Suggestions for                                                                            
                                                       Success                                                                                               

                                                                                   *Suggestions on how to effectively address                                
                                                                                   the seven selection criteria used to                                      
                                                                                   evaluate the SSS Program applications. What                               
                                                                                   to expect from staff prior to submitting an                               
                                                                                   application, during the review process and                                
                                                                                   after funding decisions.*                                                 

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **10:15**          **Break**                                                                                                                

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **10:45**          **Break-out                                                                                                              
                                    Sessions**                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **X                       **Nuclear Regulatory                                                    Carol Walls                   Apache 157
                             -**                       Commission**                                                                                          

                                                       The NRC\'s Outreach                                                                                   
                                                       Partnership Program                                                                                   

                                                                                   *Overview of the Energy Policy Act of 2005                                
                                                                                   (EP Act), as it relates to establishing                                   
                                                                                   outreach partnership programs with IHEs.                                  
                                                                                   Minority Serving Institutions Program,                                    
                                                                                   grants programs, and other support will be                                
                                                                                   discussed. Explanation of the grant process                               
                                                                                   and tips for successful applications.*                                    

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **Y                       **Department of the                                                     Brian Mercier                 Arapaho 301
                             -**                       Treasury**                                                                                            

                                                       Community Development                                                                                 
                                                       Financial Institutions                                                                                
                                                       (CDFIs) and Tribal Colleges                                                                           

                                                                                   *Funding available for the development of                                 
                                                                                   CDFIs affiliated with the TCUs. CDFIs                                     
                                                                                   provide financing, developmental services                                 
                                                                                   that are complimentary to the TCU\'s                                      
                                                                                   mission of developing members\' financial                                 
                                                                                   independence and The Fund is interested in                                
                                                                                   providing technical assistance to TCUs for                                
                                                                                   developing Individual Development Accounts                                
                                                                                   (IDA) for their students.*                                                

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **Z                       **Office of the Director of                                             Lenora Peters Gant            Blackfoot 257
                             -**                       National Intelligence**                                                                               

                                                       Partnership for America\'s                                              H. Alan Trask                 
                                                       National Security                                                                                     

                                                                                   *Mutual benefit opportunities among TCUs                                  
                                                                                   and the U.S. Intelligence Community (IC)                                  
                                                                                   through the ODNI IC Centers of Academic                                   
                                                                                   Excellence in National Security Studies (IC                               
                                                                                   CAE) Program.*                                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **AA                      **Department of Education**                                             James Laws                    Cheyenne 258
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Title III Update on the                                                                               
                                                       TCCU Program                                                                                          

                                                                                   *Update grantees and other interested in                                  
                                                                                   Title III, Tribally Controlled Colleges and                               
                                                                                   Universities Program. The 2008                                            
                                                                                   Appropriation and College Cost Reduction                                  
                                                                                   Access Act will be discussed.*                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **BB                      **Department of                                                         Janine Ashe                   Choctaw 302
                             -**                       Transportation**                                                                                      

                                                       Native American                                                         Hoodo Mohamed                 
                                                       Participation in the FHWA                                                                             
                                                       On-the-Job Training                                                                                   
                                                       Supportive Services Program                                                                           

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *On-the-Job Training Supportive Services                                  
                                                                                   programs, Business Opportunity Workforce                                  
                                                                                   Development Centers (BOWDC) and National                                  
                                                                                   Summer Transportation Institute (NSTI).*                                  

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **CC                      **Department of Health and                                              Amanda Bryans                 Crow 303
                             -**                       Human Services**                                                                                      

                                                       TCUs and Head Start:                                                                                  
                                                       Working Together to Improve                                                                           
                                                       Teacher Credentials                                                                                   

                                                                                   *Overview of grants awarded by the Office                                 
                                                                                   of Head Start to Tribal Colleges and                                      
                                                                                   Universities, including funding criteria,                                 
                                                                                   desired outcomes and success stories.*                                    

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **Noon**           **Luncheon**                                                                               Dr. Verna Fowler              Cherokee

                                                                                                                               PBATCU                        

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **1:30**           **Break-out                                                                                                              
                                    Sessions**                                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **DD                      **Department of Education**                                             Joel Harrell                  Apache 157
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Federal Student Aid Update                                                                            

                                                                                   *Provide participants with an overview of                                 
                                                                                   the most recent legislative and regulatory                                
                                                                                   changes in the Title IV Federal Student                                   
                                                                                   Financial Aid Programs. Special emphasis                                  
                                                                                   will be placed on the recently enacted                                    
                                                                                   College Cost Reduction and Access Act and                                 
                                                                                   its impact on Title IV participating                                      
                                                                                   institutions and students.*                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **EE                      **Department of                                                         Chad Parker                   Arapaho 301
                             -**                       Agriculture**                                                                                         

                                                       Tribal College Facilities                                                                             
                                                       Grant                                                                                                 

                                                                                   *Description of how USDA administers the                                  
                                                                                   Tribal College Grant program.*                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **FF                      **Department of Education**                                             Trini Torres-Carrion          Blackfoot 257
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Title III Discretionary                                                                               
                                                       Grant Programs and the                                                                                
                                                       Native American and Alaska                                                                            
                                                       Native Children in School                                                                             
                                                       Program                                                                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Learn about Title III Discretionary Grant                                
                                                                                   Programs that focus on the Native American                                
                                                                                   and Alaska Native Children in School                                      
                                                                                   Program. These grants support language                                    
                                                                                   instruction educational projects for                                      
                                                                                   Limited English Proficiency (LEP) students                                
                                                                                   and professional development for teachers                                 
                                                                                   \-- including teachers who instruct in                                    
                                                                                   Native American languages.*                                               

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **GG                      **National Endowment for                                                Sonia Feigenbaum              Cheyenne 258
                             -**                       the Humanities**                                                                                      

                                                       Getting Funded in the                                                                                 
                                                       Humanities: A Look at                                                                                 
                                                       Funding Opportunities at                                                                              
                                                       the NEH                                                                                               

                                                                                   *Overview of the various divisions and                                    
                                                                                   grant competitions at the NEH. She will                                   
                                                                                   focus on grants available in the Division                                 
                                                                                   of Public Programs, and specifically, those                               
                                                                                   available for Tribal Colleges and                                         
                                                                                   Universities.*                                                            

                                                                                                                                                             

                             **HH                      **Department of Education**                                             Bernadette Hence              Choctaw 302
                             -**                                                                                                                             

                                                       Grant Strategies to                                                                                   
                                                       Increase Minority STEM                                                                                
                                                       Graduates                                                                                             

                                                                                   *Understand how the Minority Science and                                  
                                                                                   Engineering Improvement Program (MSEIP)                                   
                                                                                   grant can help increase enrollment,                                       
                                                                                   retention, and graduation of minorities                                   
                                                                                   majoring in the STEM fields.*                                             

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **2:45**           **Close-out**                                                                              Deborah Cavett                Pueblo 154

                                                                                                                                                             

                 **3:15**           **Adjourn**                                                                                                              
  -------------- ----------- ------ ------------------ --------------------------- ------------------------------------------- ----------------------------- ------------------------

The PDF version of this document includes a collage of photographs of
workshop presenters at this point in the document.

**PLENARY SPEAKER VITAE**

**S. Verna Fowler**, PhD, of Menominee/Stockbridge-Munsee heritage, is
an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and a
member of the President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and
Universities. She was born and raised on the Menominee Reservation where
she presently makes her home. Verna received her Baccalaureate Degree
from Silver Lake College, Manitowoc, her Masters from the University of
North Dakota in Education with a cognate in Special Education, and her
Doctor of Philosophy Degree from the University of North Dakota
in Educational Administration with a cognate in Higher Education.

Verna has been involved in education since 1964 working either as the
teacher, at all grade levels through adult education, or the
administrator. During sabbaticals she served the Menominee Indian Tribe
in several capacities, such as Executive Director, Director of Credit
and Finance, or as the Superintendent of Education. She was active in
the Menominee restoration movement serving as Ada Deer's assistant
either in Washington, D.C. or at home.  Presently, Verna is serving the
Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin as the founding President of the
College of the Menominee Nation. Verna is one of 5 founders of the
Sisters of New Genesis of the Green Bay Diocese and a co-owner of the
Wolf River Trading Post.

**Major General John R. Hawkins III**, Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff
for Personnel, Office, Deputy Chief of Staff (G-1) (IMA). Currently he
is responsible for overarching guidance and execution of Human Resources
and Personnel Doctrine, Policy, Programs and Operations for Headquarters
Department of the Army and serves as the Senior Advisor to the Army
Diversity Office. He has over 36 years of experience in civilian and
military Human Resource and Personnel Administration to include labor
management, staffing and recruitment, counseling and four years with the
National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

In his most recent previous assignment, he served as the Deputy Chief
Public Affairs, Headquarters Department of the Army and he was deployed
under "Operation Enduring Freedom" in Pakistan and Afghanistan as the
Director of the Coalition Information Service (CIS), reporting directly
to the White House and the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Public
Affairs. While deployed, he was responsible for putting down the Al
Qaeda and Taliban Disinformation Campaign and ensuring the immediate
release of Coalition News. In his charge were U.S. Military, State
Department, White House Personnel, and Coalition Country Civilian.
During Iraqi Freedom he provided overarching guidance for the Army's
Embedded Media Campaign.

General Hawkins has over 36 years of commissioned service with over 22
years of active duty. He was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1971
through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps at Howard University. His
military assignments include Commander 407^th^ PSC, Assistant Professor
of Military Science, Command and Staff in Counter Intelligence, Director
of Personnel, Equal Opportunity and Equal Employment Opportunity, Public
Affairs and Congressional Affairs. He spent his entire high school life
on the Mescalero Apache Indian Reservation.

In his civilian capacity he is a Senior Associate Legislative Counsel
for the PMA Group, a Government Relations and Legislative Counsel Firm
in Washington, D.C. He also served as the Executive Vice President of
Cohn and Wolfe, an International Public Relations Firm.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and
Marketing and was commissioned from Howard University. He earned a
Masters of Public Administration in American Public Policy and
Governmental Management from The American University and a Juris Doctor
Degree from The American University Law School with study in
International Law at the University of London Law faculty in London,
England. He is a Published Graduate of the National Security Fellowship
Program at the JFK School of Government at Harvard University.

His awards include the Legion of Merit with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, the
Defense Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Army
Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Afghanistan
Campaign medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Armed Forces
Reserve Medal with hour glass and the Secretary of Defense
Identification Badge.

Major General Hawkins or "Hawk' as he is called on and off Capitol Hill
enjoys mentoring youth. He is a life member of The Association of the
U.S. Army, The Reserve Officers' Association, The Senior Army Reserve
Officers' Association, Kappa Alpha Psi, and the Rocks.

**Jackie Old Coyote** serves as the Harvard Project on American Indian
Economic Development (HPAIED) Director of Education and Outreach. HPAIED
focuses on what is working and what is not in Indian Country, most
basically, creating a viable framework for Nation Building.
Additionally, HPAIED administers the Honoring Nations program that
identifies, celebrates and shares stories of resilience and success from
Indian Country. Through HPAIED, Jackie pursues her life long mission of
promoting and perpetuating Native culture. She is an enrolled citizen of
the Apsaalooke (Crow) Nation, a Whistle Water clan member and child, and
is also of Ho-Chunk descent.

In 2006 she journeyed to China and participated in international forums
on governmental innovations and currently serves on the Board of
Trustees for the National Museum of the American Indian. Jackie is a
life long learner and continually searches for new experiences and
realms to learn from and engage with. She assists Harvard College
professors with their course syllabi and construction through her
appointment as a Community Liaison for the Native Voices, Native
Homelands pilot project. She also participates in the Harvard Graduate
School of Education's Alumni of Color Advisory Board and is the 2005
recipient of the Native Americans at Harvard College Role Model of the
Year award.

Prior to joining the HPAIED team, Jackie served as Visiting
Administrative Fellow to the Harvard University Native American Program
where she honed her interests in development of student services and
community outreach while furthering her understanding of higher
educational administrative issues. In this position, Jackie assumed
responsibilities of site coordinator for College Horizons at Harvard
College 2005.

Having enjoyed a career as an international fashion model and actress
she returned to her educational path in 2000 with renewed determination
and awareness of the need to incorporate creativity and cultural
components to formal education. Jackie has taught drama at her tribal
college in Montana (Little Big Horn College), and has continued her
drama career as both actress and writer. She was a selected playwright
for the Native Voices at the Autry Retreat in 2005; appeared in the 2003
movie, The Last Samurai; and her radio drama, Round Ball, aired on
National Public Radio. She interned at The Peabody Museum of Archaeology
and Ethnology in 2004.

Jackie received her Bachelor\'s degree in English Literature from
Montana State University in 2003 and an Ed.M. from Harvard Graduate
School of Education in 2004. She is a 2002 Rockefeller Brother Fellow, a
2003-2004 Steven J. Ross Scholar and a 2004-2005 Harvard University
Administrative Fellow.

SPEAKER VITAE

**Janine Ashe** is the program manager for the National Summer
Transportation Institute (NSTI) at the Department of Transportation. She
also provides technical assistance in the creation of statements of work
for OJT/SS programs and assists in the coordination of the Disadvantaged
Business Enterprise Supportive Services (DBE/SS) program, and the
(Business Opportunity and Workface Development) BOWD program. She has
been with FHWA Office of Civil Rights since 2006.

# Tom Barnwell received his academic degrees from Clemson University - a BS in Civil Engineering in 1969 and an MS in Environmental Systems Engineering in 1971 and has been with the U.S. EPA since graduating. From 1971 to 1995, he was employed by the EPA Region IV, by the EPA\'s Athens Environmental Research Laboratory, and has supervised a team of researchers and served as Acting Chief of the Biology Branch. In September 1995, he became Assistant Laboratory Director, National Exposure Research Laboratory in the Office of Research and Development, and represented the Laboratory's Ecology program on the Multimedia Research Coordinating Committee. He also served as Acting Associate Director for Ecology. In March 2002, he moved to EPA's National Center for Environmental Research, where he currently serves as Senior Science Advisor.

# Amanda Bryans has a BS from Cornell University in Human Development and Family Studies and an MS from the State University of New York at Albany in Educational Psychology, Measurement and Statistics. She has ten years experience working in a local Head Start Program, for five years as the Disabilities Services and Education Coordinator, and for five years as the Director. She was hired by the Head Start Bureau in 1999 as a Program Analyst and became the Branch Chief of Program Management and Operations in 2001. In 2003, she was appointed Acting Division Director for Program Operations and became the Division Director in 2004, a position she occupied until taking her current role as director of Educational Development and Partnerships Division in October 2006.

# Schroeder Cherry's thirty-plus years in the museum field span a broad range of areas with primary focus on making museum resources accessible to the public. In addition to working in museums in California, Chicago, New York, Maryland and Washington, D.C., Cherry has taught graduate courses in museum education at Bank Street College in New York and George Washington University in Washington, D.C. As Counselor to the Director, he is cultivating relationships with entities that have previously had little contact with IMLS. He is liaison to community, museum, and library groups; provides advice on agency communications; and is integral to helping shape future directions for the agency. Prior to his appointment as Counselor, Dr. Cherry served as IMLS Deputy Director, heading up the Office of Museum Services. Cherry earned a doctorate from Columbia University, a Master's Degree in Museum Education from George Washington University and a Bachelor's Degree in Fine Arts from The University of Michigan.

**Sonia Feigenbaum** assumed her position in March 2007 as Deputy
Director in the Division of Public Programs at the National Endowment
for the Humanities. She oversees the funding of projects in radio,
television, and museum exhibitions programming along with other public
programs designed to promote lifelong learning. In 2001, Dr. Feigenbaum
joined the Division of Education. In that position, she had the
opportunity to assist many applicants in securing funding in all grant
categories available in the division of Education Programs. She headed
the Humanities Initiatives for Faculty at Tribal Colleges and
Universities, Hispanic-serving Institutions and Historically Black
Colleges and Universities cluster. Prior to joining the NEH, she was on
the faculty at Williams College and the University of St. Thomas in
Minnesota.

# Joel Harrell currently serves as the Director of Special Initiative Services, Federal Student Aid, for the Department of Education and is responsible for providing special services, training and technical assistance to Historically Black College and Universities and Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities that participate in the Title IV Federal Student Aid Programs. He has held numerous administrative positions with many colleges and has provided specialized training and consultation services in the areas of enrollment management, student financial aid administration and project management to institutions and agencies across the country.

# Bernadette Hence currently serves as Program Manager for the Minority Science and Engineering Improvement Program at the Department of Education. She has over 19 years of experience working at community colleges and universities in both instructional and administrative roles. She received her BS in Civil Engineering and Doctorate in Administration and Supervision degrees from the University of Houston.

# James Laws is Director of Institutional Development and Undergraduate Services (IDUES) in the office of Postsecondary Education. He is also an adjunct professor in the School of Education at George Mason University. He has worked at all education levels in Virginia, serving as a teacher, administrator, and school board member. Dr. Laws received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Virginia Commonwealth University and his doctorate from The College of William and Mary.

# Bryan Mercier is a member of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde in western Oregon where he was born and raised. Prior to working for the Department of Treasury, he worked for the USDA Forest Service and the United States Senate. He's an Alumnus of the University of Oregon and studied for seven years in Europe where he obtained postgraduate degrees in Economics and Law.

**Hoodo Mohamed** provides technical assistance at the Department of
Transportation in the creation of statements of work for OJT/SS. She
also assists in the coordination of the DBE/SS program, Business
Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD) program, as well as the
NSTI program. She has worked for FHWA since May of 2007.

# Steve Morello currently serves as the Director of the Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs and as Deputy Assistant Secretary for Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the Department of Energy. Steve is primarily focused on promoting renewable and sustainable energy growth in Indian Country as authorized by the Indian Tribal Energy Development and Self-Determination Act of 2005. A member of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, he founded Native Insurance Agency LLC and his own law firm, Native Law Group PC. He has served as General Counsel of the Department of the Army, in the Army JAG Corps, and as staff assistant to U.S. Senator Philip A. Hart. He has an extensive background in private practice with Digital Equipment Corporation, Northrop Corporation's Defense Systems Division, and Prechter Holdings Incorporated. Mr. Morello is licensed to practice law in Michigan and Illinois and is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.

# Chad Parker is the Director of Direct Loans and Grants in the Rural Development area of USDA. He manages a staff that administers the Community Facilities Direct Loan Program, Community Facilities Grant Program, the Tribal College Facilities Initiative, and the Economic Impact Initiative.

**Lenora Peters Gant** is the Director of the Intelligence Community
Centers of Academic Excellence (CAE) Program and oversees ten colleges
and universities. She oversees a multimillion-dollar grant budget that
is disseminated among the ten colleges and performs academic outreach
for sixteen national level agencies and components. Dr. Gant earned her
BS from Florida A&M University, her MA from Vanderbilt University, and
PhD from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. She has
served as a visiting professor at Trinity University.

**Virginia Pinkney** is a Senior Education Program Specialist at TRIO at
the Department of Education. She has extensive training and leadership
experience in providing technical assistance, developing and conducting
training workshops, and advising department and state officials in
planning, developing and managing discretionary grants.

# Trini Torres-Carrion works as an Education Program Specialist and Program Manager of the Native American and Alaska Native Children in School Program at the U.S. Department of Education, Office of English Language Acquisition (OELA) in Washington, D.C.

**H. Alan Trask** is a Senior Program Manager for the Centers of
Academic Excellence (CAE) Program in the Office of the Director of
National Intelligence. He holds an MS in Education from Eastern Illinois
University and a BS in Education from Truman University. He has served
in the Director of Central Intelligence's Community Management Staff on
the Workforce Issues Team and is a Joint Duty Officer. He is a retired
Air Force officer.

**Cathy Vass** is the Division Coordinator for Grants & Awards at the
National Endowment for the Arts. Prior to this position, she managed the
Graphics and Photography studio in the Office of the Secretary for the
Department of Transportation. She works with adolescent students
teaching fine art, primarily drawing and painting. She holds a BS in
Graphic Design from the University of Maryland and an MA in Arts
Management from American University.

**Carol F. Walls** is Civil Rights Specialist/MSIR Coordinator with the
U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission and has more than 20 years of diverse
experience in both government and private sector. Her extensive
background includes community development, event planning, motivational
speaking, project management, public relations, quality assurance, and
safety surveillance. Ms. Walls is a graduate of the Business
Entrepreneurial Certification Program at Southeastern University where
she is currently pursuing her Masters Degree with a double major in both
Business Management and Liberal Arts. Carol Walls is also the founder of
No Hidden Agenda, a nonprofit organization to educate, empower and
encourage homeless families and the author of two books.

**Treopia Washington** currently serves as Vice President, Partnerships
and Minority Affairs with the National Board for Professional Teaching
Standards. Prior to this, she was appointed by former President Clinton
to the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and
Universities. She has also worked in public education as a kindergarten
and first grade teacher, and Title I Parent Coordinator. She received a
BS degree from Hampton University and MEd from Johns Hopkins University.

## Agriculture

### *Tribal College Facilities Grant*

Chad Parker

[chad.parker@wdc.usda.gov]{.underline}

## Director of National Intelligence

### *Partnership for America's National Security*

Lenora Peters Gant

#  [PetergantL@trinitydc.edu]{.underline}

H. Alan Trask

[harryat@dni.gov]{.underline}

## Education

### *Federal Student Aid Update*

Joel Harrell

[joel.harrel@ed.gov]{.underline}

*Grant Strategies to Increase Minority STEM Graduates*

Bernadette Hence

[bernadette.hence@ed.gov]{.underline}

*Titlle III Discretionary Grant Programs and the Native American and
Alaska Native Children in School Program*

Trini Torres-Carrion

[trinidad.torres-carrion@ed.gov]{.underline}

### *Title III Update on the TCCU Program*

James Laws

[james.laws@ed.gov]{.underline}

*Student Support Services Programs -- Suggestions for Success*

Virginia Pinkney

[virginia.pinkney@ed.gov]{.underline}

## Energy

*Renewable and Sustainable Energy as the Future of Indian Economics*

Steve Morello

[steven.morello@hq.doe.gov]{.underline}

## EPA

*Research Grants and Fellowships Sponsored by EPA's National Center for
Environmental Research*

Thomas Barnwell

[barnwell.thomas@epamail.epa.gov]{.underline}

## Health and Human Services

*TCUs and Head Start: Working Together to Improve Teacher Credentials*

Amanda Bryans

[amanda.bryans@acf.hhs.gov]{.underline}

## Institute of Museum and Library Services

*News You Can Use about Funding from the IMLS*

Schroeder Cherry

[scherry@imls.gov]{.underline}

**National Board for Professional Teaching Standards**

*National Board Certification: A Commitment to Culturally Responsive
Teaching and Learning*

Treopia Washington

[twashington@nbpts.org]{.underline}

## National Endowment for the Arts

### *Funding for Arts Projects*

Cathy Vass

[vassc@arts.endow.gov]{.underline}

## National Endowment for the Humanities

*Getting Funded in the Humanities: A Look at Funding Opportunities at
the NEH*

Sonia Feigenbaum

[sfeigenbaum@neh.gov]{.underline}

## Nuclear Regulatory Commission

### *NRC's Outreach Partnership Program*

Carol Walls

[caw@nrc.gov]{.underline}

## Transportation

*Native American Participation in the FHWA On-the-Job Training
Supportive Services Program*

Janine Ashe

[janine.ashe@dot.gov]{.underline}

Hoodo Mohamed

[hoodo.mohamed@dot.gov]{.underline}

## Treasury

*Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and Tribal
Colleges*

Brian Mercier

[mercierb@cdfi.treas.gov]{.underline}

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities would
like to acknowledge the support and assistance of the following groups
who provided input to the development of this conference:

## President's Board of Advisors on Tribal Colleges and Universities

Ron His Horse is Thunder, Chair

Eddie F. Brown Daniel Keating

Karen Comeau Martha McLeod

Ann Marie Downes Carl Morgan

S. Verna Fowler Richard D. Stephens

Joseph G. Hiller Edward K. Thomas

Deborah His Horse is Thunder Della Warrior

Kathy Isaacson Richard Williams

![](media/image3.png){width="4.614583333333333in"
height="0.22916666666666666in"}

White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs

Interagency Task Force on Indian Education

# Tribal Colleges and Universities Sub-Committee

Vacant, Chair ITFIE, Deborah Cavett, Chair

Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy TCU Subcommittee

OESE Department of Education WHITCU

Trini Torres-Carrion Jody Chase

Department of Education National Science Foundation

Anselm Davis Mike Fredenberg

WHITCU National Science Foundation

Tim Grosser Lana Shaughnessy

Department of Agriculture Department of Education

Edward Smith

Department of Education

## 

## Tribal Colleges and Universities

**Executive Order 13270**

![](media/image3.png){width="4.614583333333333in"
height="0.22916666666666666in"}

**Bay Mills Community College Little Big Horn College**

Brimley, MI Crow Agency, MT

## Blackfeet Community College Little Priest Tribal College

Browning, MT Winnebago, NE

## Cankdeska Cikana Community College Nebraska Indian Community College

Fort Totten, ND  Macy, NE

## Chief Dull Knife College Northwest Indian College

Lame Deer, MT Bellingham, WA

## College of Menominee Nation Oglala Lakota College

Keshena, WI Kyle, SD

## Crownpoint Institute of Technology Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College

Crownpoint, NM Mount Pleasant, MI

## Diné College Salish Kootenai College

Tsaile, AZ Pablo, MT

### Fond du Lac Tribal and C.C. Sinte Gleska University

Cloquet, MN Mission, SD

## Fort Belknap College Sisseton Wahpeton College

Harlem, MT Agency Village, SD

**Fort Berthold Community College Sitting Bull College**

New Town, ND Fort Yates, ND

**Fort Peck Community College Southwestern Indian Polytechnic
Institute**

Poplar, MT Albuquerque, NM

**Haskell Indian Nations University Stone Child College**

Lawrence, KS Box Elder, MT

**Ilisagvik College Tohono O'odham Community College**

Barrow, AK Sells, AZ

**Institute of American Indian Arts Turtle Mountain Community College**

Santa Fe, NM Belcourt, ND

**Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa C.C United Tribes Technical College**

Hayward, WI Bismarck, ND

**Leech Lake Tribal College White Earth Tribal and C.C**

Cass Lake, MN Mahnomen, MN

**Federal Agency Participation In Executive Order 13270**

![](media/image3.png){width="4.614583333333333in"
height="0.22916666666666666in"}

Department of Agriculture Agency for International Development

Department of Commerce Central Intelligence Agency

Department of Defense Environmental Protection Agency

Department of Energy General Services Administration

Department of Health and Human Services Institute of Museum and Library
Sciences

Department of Homeland Security National Aeronautics and Space
Administration

Department of Housing and Urban Development National Endowment on the
Arts

Department of Interior National Endowment on the Humanities

Department of Justice National Science Foundation

Department of Labor Nuclear Regulatory Commission

Department of State Office of Personnel Management

Department of Transportation Peace Corps

Department of Treasury Small Business Administration

Department of Veterans Affairs Social Security Administration

![](media/image3.png){width="4.614583333333333in"
height="0.22916666666666666in"}

**Sincere thanks to the following organizations for their help to
sponsor this conference:**

![](media/image4.png){width="1.625in" height="0.8027777777777778in"}

AN **ADAYANA** COMPANY

![](media/image5.png)

![](media/image6.png)

The three images above are logos for ABG, Incorporated, Oak Ridge
Associated Universities, and the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission. The
image on the next (final) page, provides the URL for the Web site for
the White House Initiative on Tribal Colleges and Universities:
<http://www.ed.gov/whitcu>.

![](media/image7.png)