MACY, Neb. -- The Nebraska Indian Community College formally announced Tuesday that it is launching its first Baccalaureate program this fall, opening a bachelor's degree in Business Administration and Tribal Nation Building.

School officials said the program will emphasize the college’s focus on tribal nation building coupled with business administration while also providing a higher educational degree option to alumni and potential new students.

“This is an exciting time at NICC as we launch our first bachelor's program," said Dr. Steven Palmer, NICC Business Division Head. "The degree is specifically designed to address development issues related to tribes and the region.”

Amidst the festivities and excitement at the annual Santee Sioux Pow Wow on Saturday, an announcement about the bachelor’s program launch was made by NICC’s Academic Dean, Dr. Kristine Sudbeck, who also spoke to the long-term intentions of the NICC bachelor program.

Extension Assistant and former Santee Tribal Chairman, Roger Trudell, spoke on behalf of the NICC Board of Directors and employees, many of whom were in attendance, including BOD members Diane LaPointe, Mary Lou Mitchell, and Linda Robinson. Immediately following the announcement, Redwing Thomas, NICC’s Dakota Language Faculty and Cultural Advisor, rendered an honor song to finalize the news.

Nebraska Indian Community College is a 1994 Land Grant Institution and is classified as a public nonprofit Tribal College and University that boasts open enrollment.