OKMULGEE, Okla.- The Mvskoke Etvlwv Nakcokv Mvhakv Svhvlwecvt (College of the Muscogee Nation) Class of 2025 celebrates their commencement ceremony on May 2 at 10 a.m. the Mvskoke Dome. This year Rebecca Nagle (Cherokee) will be the Commencement Keynote Speaker. Nagle is an award winning advocate, journalist and writer.
CMN’s Dean of Academic Affairs Mekko Tyner (Mvskoke) said in a statement about graduation this year, “College of the Muscogee Nation Administration, Faculty, and Staff are excited to honor our graduates for their dedication and commitment to higher education and self-determination.”
“Graduation will be a milestone not only for our students, but for their family and friends as they share in their achievements,” stated CMN founder Dr. James King. “CMN’s faculty and staff congratulate the class of 2025.”
CMN helps students gain their Associates Degree and/or other certifications. They offer degrees in Native American Studies, Tribal Services, Criminal Justice, General Studies, Natural Resources, and Gaming. They also offer certificates in Gaming, Mvskoke Language Studies, Mvskoke Language Teaching, and Tribal Leadership. A degree from CMN can help students further pursue a Bachelor’s degree at a different university, or graduates can start their career at the Tribe or at different job sites.
A CMN graduate shares her experiences
Christie Harjo (Seminole) will miss walking in this year’s commencement after completing her requirements for an Associates Degree in Tribal Services in Dec. 2024. She spoke to Mvskoke Media about her accomplishments while a student and the impact attending the Tribal college has had on her life
One of Harjo’s favorite memories while attending CMN was her Comp II class taught by Professor Colton Wood. She laughed while mentioning what Wood would always say and enjoyed Wood’s humor. “He teased, encouraged and ensured I was old but could write. Without that Indian-teasing I probably would have not finished that semester,” Harjo said.
Harjo commends CMN, ”The Professors here understand the life of Native students and how sometimes it can be difficult for students to engage. They know how to get students to feel comfortable.”
Harjo said that CMN has opened many doors, such as being able to help her continue her career and education. Harjo plans on completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Human Service in Counseling at East Central University. This April, Harjo started a 10-month internship at Pensacola Habitat for Humanity AmeriCorps.
There are many opportunities outside the classroom at CMN to experience. Harjo was able to assist with the American Indian Higher Education Consortium group preparation for competition at the student conference. Harjo has also been able to teach beading classes at the college.
CMN has taught her to go outside her comfort zone. “It’s ok to be scared, make mistakes, speak up for yourself and take risks on yourself,” Harjo said.
After accomplishing this milestone in her life, Harjo says she feels unstoppable. “I was given a chance at CMN with all the encouragement from staff to help me get to this point,” Harjo said.
With her internship in Florida already begun, Harjo won’t be able to walk in commencement, but she shared one last comment on her time at CMN, “Aye-Mvhvs! Keep going!”
The 2025 CMN commencement ceremony will be held on Friday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at the Mvskoke Dome in Okmulgee. For information about CMN or enrollment you can contact the college at 918-549-2800 or look at their website at cmn.edu.
The article left out the criminal justice program. All of the programs are listed but criminal justice.
Mvto for pointing this out, we have updated the article to include that the College of the Muscogee Nation also has degree programs in Criminal Justice and General Studies, as well as a certificate in Gaming.
Congratulations Nadine O’field love you heart n soul!! Auntie M