Hays Native American Studies Center
Daniel Hays
The Hays Native American Studies Center at East Central University serves as the hub for ECU’s Native Studies program. Located in Room 322 of Horace Mann Hall and decorated with a variety of American Indian art, the Center hosts student organizations, classes, and cultural programs in partnership with the Chickasaw Nation.
About the Center
The Hays Center originated from collaborative discussions among ECU administrators, tribal officials, and students. The Chickasaw Nation has provided generous support for the Center, which was named in honor of Chickasaw citizen Daniel Hays, who donated the 16-acre tract of land where ECU sits.
Location & Facilities
Room 322, Horace Mann Hall The Center functions as the meeting place for the ECU Native American Student Association and supports a range of student activities. It also serves as the primary classroom for joint culture and language courses offered in partnership with the Chickasaw Nation.
Academic Programs & Partnerships
The Hays Center supports academic programs including the Native Studies minor and joint Chickasaw Nation courses. Students can enroll in Chickasaw language and humanities classes that cover Chickasaw history and culture through study of art, music, poetry, language, oral and written history, family structures, law, government, education, and the environment.
Internships & Student Outcomes
Native Studies majors and minors gain hands-on experience through internships with the Chickasaw Nation and other local tribes. Recent graduates have gone on to careers at major metropolitan newspapers, graduate school, and law programs.
"We expect to continue to see great things come from our partnership with East Central University," said Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby. "They have shown unparalleled foresight and commitment to advancing knowledge of Native American culture and other fields of inquiry through this center, the Clemente classes, the native studies minor, and other native studies projects."
Mission & Future
The Hays Native American Studies Center is dedicated to providing ECU students with opportunities to learn about Native American languages and cultures while supporting the university’s mission to advance knowledge and cultural understanding.