PAWHUSKA, OK – The Osage Nation and The University of Tulsa (UTulsa) have announced a new undergraduate admission partnership designed to expand access to higher education for Osage students.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), eligible Osage Nation students will receive a tuition discount when enrolling at UTulsa as first-time, full-time students or undergraduate transfer students during the 2026-2027, 2027-2028, 2028-2029, 2029-2030, and 2030-2031 academic years. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to reducing financial barriers and increasing educational opportunities for Osage students.
On April 16, 2026, Osage Nation Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear, Osage Nation Education Department Director Mary Wildcat, UTulsa Interim President Rick Dickson, and former Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Ross Swimmer presented the agreement before the Osage Nation Congress Education Committee, outlining the vision and long-term goals of the partnership.
“The Osage Nation Education Department is committed to removing barriers for students pursuing their academic goals,” said Director Wildcat. “We are grateful to The University of Tulsa for partnering with us in such a meaningful way to expand access to exceptional academic opportunities at UTulsa. This partnership represents more than access – it creates pathways, transforms futures, and strengthens opportunities for our students.”
Interim President Dickson emphasized the importance of strengthening relationships with tribal nations.
“We’ve been neighbors, and it’s now time that we become partners,” said Dickson. “Our informal relationship has advanced. We’re committed to working hand-in-hand to build something lasting and meaningful.”
The partnership enhances affordability by allowing the tuition discount to be combined with the Osage Nation Higher Education Scholarship and other financial aid, including Pell Grants. Together, the Osage Nation and UTulsa aim to prepare the next generation of leaders, promote workforce readiness, and expand professional pathways for Osage citizens.
The Osage Nation Congressional Education Committee unanimously advanced the resolution, sponsored by Congresswoman Whitney RedCorn. On April 22, 2026, the full Osage Nation Congress approved the resolution, which Principal Chief Standing Bear subsequently signed.
“I am grateful to Interim President Dickson, Chief Swimmer, and The University of Tulsa for stepping forward with a true partnership – one that reflects real investment in Native youth and the future workforce of northeast Oklahoma,” said Chief Standing Bear.