Wake Forest, Choctaw Nation Form MA Partnership

-The Wake Forest University Schools of Business and the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Scholarship Advisement Program are joining forces to help Native Americans earn an advanced business degree through the Wake Forest University Master of Arts in Management program.

Starting this year, the partnership will focus on long-term, sustainable progress of Choctaw students’ academic achievement, financial, academic and advisory support. Wake Forest and scholarship program will work together to promote the retention and graduation of Choctaw students toward an advanced degree through the Master of Arts in Management program.

“We know the desire to attend college and earn a degree is strong among CNO’s top student scholars,” said Jo McDaniel, the scholarship program’s director. “With this partnership … we now have a broader approach to helping our students earn important post-graduate degree success.”

A key aspect of the partnership is early involvement with students and parents. In an effort to promote the retention and graduation of Choctaw students, Wake Forest and the scholarship program will reach out to students as early as the eighth or ninth grade through workshops, college preparation testing and school visits.

Wake Forest will also serve as a resource for the CNO Scholarship Advisement Program on issues related to college admission and financial aid.

Additional benefits for the Choctaw Nation Scholarship Advisement Program’s students include mentoring and internships through corporate sponsors. Sponsors benefit from exposure and relationships established with highly educated potential Choctaw employees.

“The Wake Forest University Schools of Business Master of Arts in Management is designed specifically for recent liberal arts and science graduates; the program broadens students' education beyond the focus of their undergraduate studies. The MA in Management program's learning environment is experiential and hands-on, emphasizing the value of teamwork and collaboration in solving problems,” said Steve Reinemund, the dean of the Wake Forest University Schools of Business.

The partnership will also provide the following:
• Up to two Choctaw Scholarships for the MA program starting this year;
• A full scholarship award for the CNO scholars;
• Tutoring for all Choctaw scholars;
• Mentoring support from business professionals for Choctaw scholars as part of the Wake Forest University Schools of Business Executive Partners Mentorship Program.

Applications for the Master of Arts in Management are accepted until June 15. For more information, contact Lance Bennett at the Wake Forest University Schools of Business at (336) 758-3849, or email bennetle@wfu.edu.

Corporations or individuals interested in becoming a sponsor or a scholarship donor can contact the Scholarship Advisement Program at (800) 522-6170 x2383 or email shaunawilliams@choctawnation.com.