Sinte Gleska University


Sinte Gleska University is a private American Indian tribal college in Mission, South Dakota, on the Rosebud Indian Reservation. This is a Brulé Lakota Indian Reservation home to the Sicangu. SGU has an enrollment of 828 full and part-time students. It is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

History

SGU was founded in 1971. SGU was named for the Brulé Lakota chief Sinte Gleska. The founding Board President was Lakota elder Stanley Red Bird Sr., and Joseph M. Marshall III, the first published writer in Lakota, was a founder as well.

Partnerships

The college is a member of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium, a community of tribally and federally chartered institutions working to strengthen tribal nations. Tribal colleges generally serve geographically isolated populations who have no other means accessing higher education; they also are a means for the tribes to teach subjects from the perspectives of their cultures, as well as specific classes in their cultures.

Academics

SGU offers 25 associate degrees, 23 bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees, a dozen certificate programs, and several vocation programs through seven academic undergraduate departments:
The college has programs in Lakota studies, including the language and aesthetics.
The Great Plains Art Institute of the University offers AA and BA degrees in art and a BAAE degree in art education.
SGU sponsors the annual Northern Plains Indian Art Market in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, which includes a juried art show, art market, powwow, and Oscar Howe lecture.
SGU has partnered with Red Crow Community College and Old Sun Community College, both in Alberta, Canada, enabling them to offer a master's degree in education, with an emphasis in early childhood special education.

Notable faculty