Despite having only “five or six” American Indian students in attendance at UTM, the new student organization the Native American Student Association made its debut on the UTM campus because of the efforts of UTM students and faculty alike.

UTM joins MTSU in becoming the only college in Tennessee with such a group.

“Some students need this because it is part of their makeup,” said faculty adviser Brent Cox. Cox explained that Tennessee is the only state where there is no land set aside for the American Indians.

“Many African-American students are half American Indian as well,” Cox said.

The organization has been in the making for quite some time. The signatures of three staff advisers were needed in order to begin the formation of the organization.

Cox anticipated the formation of the association for years, but it was not until four interested students taking his American Indian history class decided to act. Scott Lewis, Connie Conchra, Tommy Thompson and Sara Cole Overton worked together to create the first such interest group on campus.

“All members have heritage and ties to various American Indian nations and have participated in many activities,” said Cox.

“Even though our numbers are small, the Native American Student Association represents 60 percent of the voting population.”

Cox also explained that Native American Student Association membership is open to all UTM students, regardless of their American Indian heritage. “Even if students have no [American Indian] heritage, they can still come,” said Cox. “The door is always open. Indians never turn anyone away. They do not believe in conversion, but believe in a way of the land.”

“My main goal is to make sure that the American Indian people are remembered and are treated right,” said Cox. “It is deep on the student level.”

“I’m glad that we have that organization,” said Chancellor Nick Dunagan.

“Just as we understand other cultures of the world, it is even more important to understand cultures of Native Americans.”