TAHLEQUAH, Okla. - Northeastern State University and the Cherokee Nation have launched the Cherokee Futurists Leadership Program, a yearlong initiative designed to strengthen tribal leadership capacity while advancing technology integration across Cherokee Nation departments.

Announced on Feb. 23 during a ceremony at the Chota Center in Tahlequah, the program prepares Cherokee Nation professionals to implement culturally grounded technology solutions in governance and public service.

The initiative operates under a Memorandum of Understanding signed by NSU President Rodney Hanley and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., reflecting a shared commitment to aligning higher education with workforce and leadership needs.

(L-R): Deputy Principal Chief Bryan Warner, Northeastern State University President Rodney Hanley and Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr.

"Through our continued innovative collaborations with NSU, we are better equipping Cherokees to be leaders in today's technology-driven world, while staying firmly grounded in traditional tribal values and culture," said Cherokee National Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. "When we invest in our people and expand access to this kind of expertise and knowledge, we ensure a brighter future for the Cherokee Nation."

The 30-credit-hour curriculum is delivered in five-week segments and blends American Indian leadership and tribal governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, advanced analytics and project management. A yearlong, threaded capstone anchors the experience, allowing participants to immediately apply their learning to high-impact initiatives and emerging opportunities.

A dual-mentor model, pairing Cherokee Nation leaders with NSU faculty, ensures both cultural grounding and academic rigor throughout the 12-month experience.

Dr. Athena Wooldridge, NSU College of Business & Technology Associate Dean and Assistant Professor of Marketing, said the collaboration reflects the university's transformative role as a regional partner.

"This partnership reflects NSU's commitment to serving our region in practical and lasting ways," Wooldridge said. "It was developed collaboratively with the Cherokee Nation and blends academic rigor with Cherokee leadership principles and cultural grounding. It demonstrates that higher education can respond directly to workforce and community needs."

Northeastern State University President Rodney Hanley speaks during the joint MOU signing. President Hanley praised the tribe for the continued partnership.

Dr. Jerrid Freeman, NSU Vice President for Student Affairs & Enrollment Management, emphasized the immediate impact of aligning education with workforce demand.

"We are leaning into our mission of educating our society and the communities we serve," Freeman said. "This partnership allows us to help train an existing workforce to meet evolving demands within the Cherokee Nation."

Because participants already serve in Cherokee Nation departments, the skills they develop translate directly into stronger systems, improved data governance and more secure technology practices, building a leadership pipeline that supports long-term innovation and resilience.

Hanley said the inaugural cohort represents a forward-looking investment in the region.

"This program represents the kind of intentional collaboration that strengthens both the Cherokee Nation and the broader region," Hanley said. "It demonstrates what can happen when academic rigor aligns with real workforce needs and long-term community priorities."