Sinte Gleska University facts for kids
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| Motto | Wahope unglawa sakapi hecel oyate ki Wolakota gluha tokatakiya unya pi kte. |
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Motto in English
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Reenforcing our foundation for the people to go forward in the Lakota Way. |
| Type | Public, tribal, land-grant university |
| Established | 1970 |
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Academic affiliations
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American Indian Higher Education Consortium, Space-grant |
| President | Ted Hamilton |
| Students | approximately 1,000 |
| Location |
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United States
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| Campus | rural |
| Affiliations | Brulé Lakota |
Sinte Gleska University (SGU) is a special kind of college located in Mission, South Dakota. It's on the Rosebud Indian Reservation, which is home to the Brulé Lakota people. SGU is a public university, but it's also a "tribal college." This means it's run by and for a Native American tribe. It's also a "land-grant university," which means it gets support from the government to teach things like agriculture and engineering.
About 828 students attend SGU, either full-time or part-time. The university is officially recognized by the Higher Learning Commission, which means its degrees are valid and respected.
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History of Sinte Gleska University
SGU was started in 1971. It was named after a famous Brulé Lakota chief called Spotted Tail, whose Lakota name was Sinte Gleska. The first president of the university's board was a respected Lakota elder, Stanley Red Bird Sr. Joseph M. Marshall III, who was the first Lakota writer to have his work published, also helped start the university.
In 1994, SGU became a land-grant college. This was a big step, as it joined 31 other tribal colleges in getting this special status. This status helps the university offer more programs and support to its students.
Working with Other Colleges
SGU is part of a group called the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. This group includes many tribal colleges and universities. They all work together to make tribal nations stronger through education.
Tribal colleges like SGU are very important. They often serve communities that don't have other easy ways to go to college. These colleges also help tribes teach their own history, culture, and languages. This way, students can learn about their heritage while getting a great education.
What Can You Study at SGU?
SGU believes in teaching students while also keeping the Lakota way of life strong. They call this "Lakol Wicohan." The university wants to make sure future generations learn about their traditions.
As of 2023, most of the students at SGU are American Indian or Alaska Native, making up about 93% of the student body. About 7% of students are White. Also, about 52% of the students are from low-income backgrounds, and 48% are from more affluent backgrounds.
SGU offers many different programs. You can earn associate degrees (which are usually two-year degrees) and bachelor's degrees (which are four-year degrees). They also have master's degrees and special certificate programs. The university has seven main departments for undergraduate studies:
- Great Plains Art Institute
- Arts and Sciences
- Business
- Education
- Human Services
- Lakota Studies
- Institute of Technologies (for job-focused training)
SGU has strong programs in Lakota studies. This includes learning the Lakota language and understanding Lakota art and culture. It's one of only a few tribal colleges that offers a degree in tribal administration, which teaches students how to help manage tribal governments.
The Great Plains Art Institute at SGU offers degrees in art and art education. This helps students become artists or art teachers.
For many years, SGU hosted the Northern Plains Indian Art Market in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. This event included an art show, a market where artists could sell their work, and a powwow (a traditional Native American gathering). It also featured a lecture series named after the famous artist Oscar Howe. The market helped teach people about the art, ideas, dance, and music of the Northern Plains. However, in 2023, SGU stopped holding the market because of money issues and fewer students taking part.
SGU also works with colleges in Canada, like Red Crow Community College and Old Sun Community College. Thanks to these partnerships, SGU can offer a master's degree in education, focusing on early childhood special education.
Important People Who Taught at SGU
Many talented people have taught at Sinte Gleska University. Here are a few of them:
- LeAnne Howe (from the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma)
- Joe L. Kincheloe (1950–2008)
- Simon J. Ortiz (from Acoma Pueblo)
- Albert White Hat (1929–2013)
- Doris Leader Charge (1930–2001)
More to Explore
- American Indian College Fund (AICF)
