The Native American Studies program at Syracuse University will expand its curricula and help foster stronger ties between SU and local American Indian communities under a new director.
Richard Loder, an SU alumnus and part-time professor of sociology, has been appointed director of the program for a three-year stint. Loder's appointment marks the first time a faculty member of American Indian descent is taking on a leadership role in The College of Arts and Sciences.
"Richard is a great leader," said Douglas Armstrong, a professor of anthropology in the program. "He is one of the conscientious people you can trust to do the job. He has a real hands-on knowledge about how to develop a Native American studies program."
Loder founded and chaired the Native American Studies program at the State University of New York at Oswego, where he worked at the program for about 15 years, he said.
"Having all that administrative experience, I think, will help me greatly in building a successful Native American studies program here," Loder said. "I'm very positive. I think it's going to be a tremendous program."
Sarah Moses, a junior newspaper major and contributing writer for The Daily Orange, professed her optimism at Loder's appointment. Moses, who is a member of the Onondaga Nation, said she does not believe an American Indian faculty member has to head the program, although the fact that Loder is of American Indian descent gives her more confidence in the program.
"It brings a little extra to the program because it's in his blood," Moses said. "He won't lose interest in it because it's his life."
Maureen Schwarz, a professor of anthropology, founded the Native American studies program at SU during the fall 2001 semester, said Sue Wadley, associate dean for curriculum, instruction and programs at The College of Arts and Sciences.
Schwarz recently stepped down because she decided to focus on research, Wadley said.
Loder's objectives as director of the program include developing new curricula, recruiting more American Indian students and faculty to SU and fostering stronger ties between the university and American Indian nations and communities, he said.
Armstrong believes Loder will succeed as director of the program because of his passion for the field. Armstrong has organized combined field trips between his classes and other Native American studies classes to museums and American Indian reservations in the past. On several occasions, Loder volunteered to go along and show them around even though he did not teach any of the classes, Armstrong said.
Wadley echoed that Loder is a suitable candidate for the position because of his dedication to the program in the past.
"He has been a devoted teacher of Native American studies on campus," Wadley said. "He's been willing to do that extra little bit to make the program successful."
Regina Jones, program coordinator of the Office of Multicultural Affairs, praised Loder for being well-connected to local American Indian communities. Jones is a member of the Onondaga Nation.
"His familiarity with Native people and cultures is certainly a plus," Jones said. "He has a very good relationship with the Native people."
Wadley said the development of the program is part of Chancellor Nancy Cantor's push for stronger ties between the university and local American Indian communities. She pointed out that Cantor recently appointed David C. Smith, vice president of enrollment management, as SU's emissary to the Haudenosaunee.
The Haudenosaunee comprises the Mohawk, Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, Seneca and Tuscarora nations.
Jones said she was impressed that Cantor's inauguration began with a welcome blessing by Sid Hill, tadadaho, or spiritual leader, of the Onondaga Nation.
"It was very moving," she said. "I think it's been clear in the chancellor's inaugural year that the Haudenosaunee presence is much needed here. It's better late than never."
However, American Indian staff and students said there were other objectives that they hope the program will meet.
Jones said she hopes the Native American studies program will be allocated a designated area where faculty, staff and students can meet and discuss issues. Having the opportunity to meet other American Indians will help new students feel more comfortable on campus, she said.
Students, including Moses, also hope that the program will eventually include a major in Native American studies. The program currently offers only a minor.
"It's a long way down the road, but we can be hopeful," Moses said.
Wadley believes the Native American studies program is important because other courses offered by the university often under-represent American Indian perspectives.
"We have very few regularly offered courses that integrate anything about Native Americans, about their literature, their history and modern social issues," Wadley said. "It's good that students understand what it means to be in Haudenosaunee territory."
Loder said the program will help foster a wider perspective on American Indian issues in students.
"This dialogue and perspectives will provide students with an understanding that many of them don't have," Loder said. "I think it adds another dimension to the way students view the world."
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