Montana State Honors College seeing increased American Indian/Alaska Native enrollment

BOZEMAN - Since it was started in 2021, Montana State University's Honor Bound program has increased the enrollment of American Indian and Alaska Native students in the Honors College by helping to provide a close community where highly motivated students help each other succeed.

The Honor Bound program began with just four students and now accepts up to 16 American Indian, Alaska Native and other Indigenous students each year, according to Steven Davis, assistant dean of the Honors College. Davis said the students each demonstrate exceptional academic and leadership potential, and he said they find a supportive environment in the Honors College, which offers smaller class sizes and hands-on academic support. The support they find can position them as top prospects for graduate schools and careers.

Davis, who is a member of the Lower Brule Sioux Tribe and descendant of Montana's Blackfeet Nation, works with staff members in MSU's American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Services to mentor and support Honor Bound students through their time at MSU and beyond. Students also receive additional advising to help navigate systems in higher education, such as financial aid.

The students' experience begins with a pre-semester program in the fall. During that week, the students learn about Montana through an Indigenous perspective and build community with others who come from similar backgrounds.

Other staff members from across MSU, such as Lisa Perry and Nicholas Ross-Dick, who lead American Indian/Alaska Native Student Success Services, have inspired, encouraged and contributed much to the success of Honor Bound, Davis said.

"Lisa and Nick have both served as inspiration, mentors, models and supportive relatives for not just myself but every single one of our Honor Bound students since its inception," he said.

Honor Bound student Gianna Gutowsky, a freshman from East Helena, said she has found an amazing community in the program. When asked what she has gained, she said she has been able to connect with people on a deeper level and learn from upper class students, who share their experiences.

Kyla Kuroda, an Honor Bound freshman from Texas, said she joined the program to explore her American Indian background. One of this year's pre-semester activities was visiting the Lamar Buffalo Ranch, which Kuroda described as an opportunity to understand the importance of the land.

"Honor Bound opens doors to new opportunities and shows you so much about Montana regarding the Natives," Kuroda said.

EmmaLee Rotlisberger, a senior graduating in December, joined Honor Bound's second group. She said the Honors College has been exceptionally supportive by providing engaging classes, academic events and dedicated advisers.

Through Honor Bound, Rotlisberger, an agricultural education major, was able to travel to Kauai, Hawaii, to learn about Indigenous agriculture. Honor Bound, Rotlisberger said, let her experience new places and opportunities while being immersed in an Indigenous perspective.

"If you are looking for a program that combines academic growth with cultural learning, Honor Bound is the perfect opportunity," Rotlisberger said. "Its mission of 'honoring our ancestors in shaping our future' truly shines, fostering a strong and supportive program for Indigenous students at Montana State."

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