Southeastern Oklahoma State University
11/10/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/10/2025 13:13
Southeastern announces Tribal Gaming and Hospitality degree pathway in conjunction with UNLV
Southeastern announces Tribal Gaming and Hospitality degree pathway in conjunction with UNLV
November 10, 2025
Southeastern Oklahoma State University and the Tribal Education Initiative at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV)'s William F. Harrah College of Hospitality announced a partnership to educate and prepare students for careers in Tribal gaming and hospitality enterprises in a ceremony on the Southeastern campus on Monday, November 10, 2025.
The ceremony featured the signing of a 2+2 articulation agreement opening doors for Southeastern students to seamlessly transfer credits to UNLV's College of Hospitality, where they can complete their bachelor's degree with a focus on Tribal Gaming or Hospitality Management. Students can choose to study in person on the UNLV campus or entirely online.
Southeastern President Dr. David Whitlock and Dr. David Cárdenas, dean of the Harrah College of Hospitality, were signatories to the agreement at the ceremony. The partnership will directly impact Southeastern's partner tribal nations, who will have immediate access to local students with a degree from the pre-eminent hospitality and gaming school in the nation.
Dr David Whitlock speaking at a press event
"This will be an outstanding partnership for students in our area, who will have the opportunity to stay in Oklahoma, get an education from the AACSB-accredited John Massey School of Business at the best regional university in the state as well as the best hospitality and gaming school in the country, and work with tribes in Oklahoma," said Whitlock. "These types of partnerships are great pathways for students, and we appreciate the collaboration with the Harrah College of Hospitality at UNLV."
"Education is the best investment you can make," said Cárdenas, "and we're so excited to work with Southeastern to expand opportunities for students. Through partnerships like this, we're not only growing our program; we're also helping Tribes across nations build a strong educational foundation in hospitality, tourism, and gaming."
UNLV's Dr David Cárdenas speaks at a press event
Current Southeastern students interested in pursuing this pathway should contact Chad Harp, executive director of tribal relations, at [email protected].
About Southeastern
Founded in 1909, Southeastern Oklahoma State University provides an environment of academic excellence that enables students to reach their highest potential. By having personal access to excellent teaching, challenging academic programs, and extracurricular experiences, students will develop skills and habits that promote values for career preparation, responsible citizenship, and lifelong learning. Our over 6,000 students include 50% first-generation students and 28% students of Native American descent, with 82% receiving financial aid. Southeastern ranks amongst the most affordable schools in the region thanks to out-of-state tuition waivers and is proud of its exceptional affordable accredited MBA program, stellar aerospace and teacher education programs, and outstanding national ranking in graduating Native American students.
About the Tribal Education Initiative
Funded by a grant from the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation, the UNLV College of Hospitality Tribal Education Initiative delivers educational programming on Native American business enterprises, including casinos, hotels, and cultural centers. A major component of this mission is to establish partnerships with Tribal Colleges and Universities wanting to expand leadership opportunities for their students in the gaming and hospitality management sectors.
Southeastern Oklahoma State University published this content on November 10, 2025, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on November 10, 2025 at 19:13 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]