Education & Community

Profiles of a Nation

Meet the educators and community leaders who inspire the next generation of Chickasaws and ensure that no one is forgotten – keeping the spirit of our strong Nation.

15 Items

Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham

Renowned scholar and educator dedicated to the study of Native American culture
Dr. Amanda Cobb-Greetham is currently the Director of Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma.

Bill Kinney

A worldwide leader in auditing and accounting research
Dr. Kinney is a professor who has become a legend in the accounting industry.

Dr. Debra Vaughn

An adamant proponent of higher education, descended from a prominent Chickasaw family
Debra currently serves as the Director of Student Employment & Career Services at Oklahoma City Community College.

Elizabeth Rule

Noted scholar. Gifted writer. Granted researcher ... and proud Chickasaw.
Elizabeth Rule, Assistant Professor at American University, brings the indigenous experience to her students.

Ellen Brooker

Using her unique perspective as a Chickasaw to teach students about Native American culture
Ellen Brooker, a well-respected history and social studies instructor, has been teaching for over 28 years.

Gary Sandefur

The first American Indian to be named Dean at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
In 2014, Oklahoma State University appointed Gary Sandefur Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic Affairs.

Dr. Glen D. Johnson, Jr.

Distinguished politician who has dedicated himself to quality education for Oklahomans
Johnson has had a long political career in Oklahoma City and strongly advocates for the importance of higher education.

Heather Ahtone

Devoted to developing an interdisciplinary approach to studying Native American art
Heather Ahtone is the senior curator at the First Americans Museum in downtown Oklahoma City.

Joshua D. Hinson

A lifelong dedication to the perpetuation of the Chickasaw language
Joshua D. Hinson is a Chickasaw linguist, artist and cultural historian dedicated to the perpetuation of the Chickasaw language.

Kevin Washburn

A lifetime of work advocating for the legal rights of Native American people
Chickasaw citizen Kevin Washburn has spent practically his entire adult life working on behalf of Native American nations.

Kristina Kirtley

Although she lives far from the Chickasaw Nation, her heritage is always close to her heart
Kirtley is no stranger to helping others and has spent over ten years teaching in NYC while remaining connected to her Chickasaw heritage.

Stephanie Moore

It's said a good teacher is like a candle. It consumes itself to light the way for others.
Introducing Stephanie Moore, professor at the University of New Mexico. Providing a better future for so many people.

Tessa Stamile

Dreams to support the health of Native Americans in Oklahoma
Tessa Stamile is a woman who is proud of her Chickasaw heritage.

Towana Spivey

Known for his commitment to the preservation of Chickasaw history and culture
Spivey served as the director and curator of the Fort Sill National Historic Landmark Museum for almost 30 years.

Dr. Traci Morris

A dedication to utilizing new in technology that contribute to the progress of Native Americans
Dr. Morris is a business owner, teacher, scholar and proud member of the Chickasaw Nation.