A doctoral student in the Adult and Lifelong Learning Program was awarded the top scholar award at this year's Muscogee Nation Festival Scholars Forum for her dissertation work in the U of A program.

Sara Barnett-Nsakashalo, director of the Center for Tribal Studies for Northeastern State University, is studying how the choice to attend tribal colleges or universities — rather than public and private institutions — affects academic success among American Indian students. A key part of the study is examining how using cultural resources may moderate this effect. She partnered with the Muscogee Nation's higher education department to conduct her study.

Barnett-Nsakashalo was awarded $500 and honored with a limited-edition Pendleton blanket (one of just 254 blankets designed especially for Chief David Hill) for her work in the Spring 2022 semester. She was among only seven students invited to present their research at the tribe's annual celebration, which includes the scholars forum, held this year at River Spirit Casino and Resort. The forum included a poster presentation and oral presentation from each scholar. 

Kevin Roessger, an associate professor of adult and lifelong learning in the U of A College of Education and Health Professions, nominated Barnett-Nsakashalo for the award. "Throughout her time at the University of Arkansas, it has been apparent that she is dedicated to using her educational and professional accomplishments to the benefit of her tribe whenever possible," he wrote in a recommendation letter. "Her dissertation research focus on Muscogee Nation scholarship recipients is just one example, as she is committed to identifying the factors which can best predict postsecondary academic success."

Roessger noted that Barnett-Nsakashalo's research will benefit the tribe's higher education department and other postsecondary institutions, as they secure additional support for tribal citizens attending higher education institutions across the country.

Muscogee (Creek) Nation is a self-governed Native American tribe located in Okmulgee, Oklahoma. It's the fourth largest tribe in the United States with 86,100 citizens.