Bacone College in Oklahoma Faces Financial Crisis, Threatening Closure
MUSKOGEE, Oklahoma — Bacone College, a historic institution known for its Native American art program, is on the brink of closure due to a severe financial crisis. The college, founded in 1880 as a Baptist missionary school, transformed into an Indigenous-led institution that provided education and an intertribal community. However, poor financial choices and inconsistent leadership have plagued Bacone College for years, leading to lawsuits and accreditation challenges.
The college’s financial troubles reached a breaking point last year when a lawsuit severely impacted its finances. As a result, Bacone College made the difficult decision to suspend classes for the spring semester, leaving only nine employees to navigate the daunting task of saving the institution from permanent closure. The remaining staff members are now focused on addressing urgent maintenance issues, such as leaks and mold, while also protecting priceless Native American artworks.
Interim President Nicky Michael, determined to keep the college afloat, is exploring various avenues to secure funding. She even personally delivers DoorDash orders to generate income for the institution. However, Bacone College requires millions of dollars to survive, and without a substantial financial boost, it is likely to shut down permanently.
Bacone College has a rich history of producing influential Indigenous artists, including Woody Crumbo and Fred Beaver, who pushed the boundaries of what was considered “Native American art.” The college served as a unique platform for Native faculty and students to exchange ideas and foster Indigenous education and academic thought.
Throughout the years, Bacone College has faced accusations of embezzlement, fraud, and intimidation, resulting in multiple lawsuits. Students have expressed frustration over a lack of resources and cultural competency among school leaders. Despite efforts by faculty members like Patti Jo King, former director of the Center for American Indians, financial debts and low graduation rates have continued to plague the institution.
The college’s financial crisis can be attributed, in part, to a lawsuit brought by Midgley-Huber Energy Concepts, a heating and air company, over unpaid fees. The Muskogee County Sheriff’s Office twice scheduled property auctions to settle the debt, but both were called off. The potential sale of the historic property has raised concerns among alumni, who question its validity based on the treaty right that established the campus and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
While Bacone College’s future remains uncertain, Interim President Nicky Michael is grateful for the additional time to find a solution. The college’s unique legacy and cultural significance hang in the balance, as the remaining employees work tirelessly to save the institution from closure.
Bacone College, an Indigenous-led institution in Oklahoma, is facing financial crisis and potential closure. The college, known for its Native American art program, has been plagued by poor financial choices, inconsistent leadership, and lawsuits alleging embezzlement and fraud. Last year, the college suspended classes for the spring semester due to financial difficulties. Bacone College’s remaining staff are working to save the historic buildings, repair leaks, and protect priceless Native American art. The college’s financial troubles are partly due to a lawsuit brought by a heating and air company. Alumni have raised concerns about the potential sale of the property, citing its treaty right and listing on the National Register of Historic Places. The college is currently seeking ways to raise millions of dollars to avoid permanent closure.
Disclaimer: Only the headline and content of this report may have been reworked by Newsearay, staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed. The Article was originally published on Source link
