Nebraska Indian Community College

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 7, 2025            

 

CONTACT: Dr. Maeghan Murie-Mazariegos

NICC Math/Science Division Head

MMurie@thenicc.edu

(402) 494-2311 ext. 154

 

NICC Approved to Launch Bachelor’s Degree

 Indigenous Environmental Health Program in Fall 2025

 

 Macy, Nebraska. (January 7, 2025) – The Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC) will be launching its second Baccalaureate program in fall 2025, this time focusing on Indigenous Environmental Health.  This program combines public health with environmental science through an Indigenous lens. Through 124 credits, this baccalaureate degree addresses the essential requirements that would make it eligible to become accredited by the National Environmental Health Science and Protection Accreditation Council once the program is implemented. NICC will be the first higher education institution in the nation to offer an Indigenous Environmental Health baccalaureate degree program.

Hank Miller has been with NICC for over two decades and was excited to be part of the team developing this new degree program. One of Miller’s goals in developing this degree was to provide a space to discuss the health of our environments and how that relates to human health. President Michael Oltrogge also expressed gratitude to the National Science Foundation for the multi-year award NICC received to be able to develop and launch this degree program, which responds to the request and needs of the communities we serve.

Dr. Maeghan Murie-Mazariegos stated, "As the Head of the Math & Science Division, I am proud to announce the launch of the Bachelor's Degree in Indigenous Environmental Health. This program combines Indigenous knowledge with scientific principles, empowering students to safeguard both our communities' health and the environment. Together, we will ensure a sustainable future, rooted in respect for the land and its people."

Newly hired Public Health Faculty, Dr. Ezaz Haque, expressed his support for the new Bachelor's Degree sharing, “This program blends traditional knowledge with modern science, offering new opportunities for research that addresses health and environmental challenges in Indigenous communities. We are committed to promoting wellness and sustainability for future generations.”

Dean of Academic Affairs, Dr. Kristine Sudbeck, added “The new Bachelor of Science degree is a stackable credential within the institution, feeding off of an existing A.S. General Science Studies. We also look forward to building articulation agreements with sister tribal colleges and other community colleges in the region, with the intent to provide the smoothest transition possible for transfer.”

Nebraska Indian Community College (NICC) is a 1994 Land Grant Institution and is classified as a public nonprofit Tribal College and University (TCU) that boasts open enrollment. Established in 1973, and first accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) in 1986, NICC is a nationally accredited community college that offers students certificates, associate degrees, and now two baccalaureate degrees. Uniquely chartered by two sovereign nations, the Omaha (or Umonhon in its native language) located on the Omaha Reservation; and the Santee Sioux (or Isanti Dakota in its native language) located on the Santee Reservation, NICC offers students more than just access to a great higher education. With three distinct campus locations along the Missouri River throughout northeastern Nebraska, NICC offers students access to courses, events, and workshops in tribal histories, cultures, and native languages. Macy Campus is nestled in rural Macy, NE, and houses a traditional-style Earthlodge while the Santee Campus is found along the Nebraska and South Dakota border amidst the rolling hills and wildlife found on the Santee Reservation. Additionally, the college has a more urban location along bustling Dakota Avenue in South Sioux City, NE. NICC offers students the ability to engage in various modalities, such as virtual meetings and online courses to accommodate the unique needs of today’s students and provides significant incentives to encourage students to stick with their education and achieve success! An affordable option for a great higher education with $1 per credit hour tuition for all classes and students. Nebraska Indian Community College welcomes everyone as it strives to create lifelong learning opportunities for the Umonhon (Omaha), Isanti Dakota (Santee), and all learners who want a great higher education in a welcoming and supportive environment.

Tribal College Journal Article

Looking for a career you can fall in love with? Check out our Employment Opportunities and find yourself at NICC today!

Join our waitlist to get enrolled today! This exciting new Bachelors-level program is set to roll out this fall. To join the waitlist, visit one of our campuses today or online at www.thenicc.edu and fill out the online Waitlist Contact Card!  

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