Lived experiences of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma members in the Ferguson College of Agriculture

Abstract

Native Americans represent one of the smallest populations in Higher Education. Native American tribal nations have supported members attending higher education since the enactment of forced removal treaties. Although student numbers continue to increase, Native Americans still only represent 1% of the total Higher Education population. This study explored the lived experience of Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma students enrolled in the Ferguson College of Agriculture at Oklahoma State University. To fully understand the lived experiences of Oklahoma State University undergraduate and graduate students who are Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma members, a phenomenological study using in-depth personal interviews was chosen. Eleven interviews were conducted in Edmond Low Library. Interviews were coded using in-vivo coding. Five themes emerged from the data: (a) support systems in the Ferguson College of Agriculture; (b) (in)visible heritage and assimilation; (c) the collective pursuit and legacy of higher education; (d) the FCA as a means to their end; and (e) their journey to an agricultural college. Throughout these five themes, five conclusions and implications were derived: (a) the cultural value of a collective system of support was important for these Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma members to succeed at OSU and in the FCA; (b) these Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma members came to college with a limited connection to their heritage and might not be cognizant of assimilation; (c) the role of family was a value and motivating factor derivative of tribal culture for these members; (d) these Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma members were focused on their career path, not necessarily belongingness through their tribal heritage in their academic experience; (e) these Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma members did not intentionally choose the Ferguson College of Agriculture. Overall, these students felt supported in the Ferguson College of Agriculture. However, these participants might not be looking for a sense of belongingness through their tribal heritage. Due to this perceived detachment, participants simultaneously perceived that their Native American heritage was both visible and invisible around the campus of OSU and in the FCA.