Bacone College

Bacone College
Former names
Indian University (1880–1910)
Bacone Indian University (1910)
MottoA Place of Value & Opportunity
TypePrivate tribal college
Established1880; 144 years ago (1880)
Religious affiliation
American Baptist Churches USA (former)
PresidentNicky Michael (interim)
Students270
Location
Muskogee
,
Oklahoma
,
United States
CampusSuburban
ColorsRed & White
   
NicknameWarriors
Sporting affiliations
NAIA – Continental
Websitewww.bacone.edu

Bacone College, formerly Bacone Indian University, is a private college in Muskogee, Oklahoma. Founded in 1880 as the Indian University by missionary Almon C. Bacone, it was originally affiliated with the mission arm of what is now American Baptist Churches USA. Renamed as Bacone College in the early 20th century, it is the oldest continuously operated institution of higher education in Oklahoma. The liberal arts college has had strong historic ties to several tribal nations, including the Muscogee and Cherokee. The Bacone College Historic District has been on the National Register of Historic Places listings in Muskogee County, Oklahoma since 2014.[1]

In 2018, the college was struggling financially. Several tribal nations agreed that year to a consortium and chartered it as a tribal college to secure federal funding under the government's treaty obligations to support Native American education. However, the Bureau of Indian Affairs did not approve conversion, leaving the college with financial issues. The college subsequently suspended operations for the spring semester of 2024 and filed for bankruptcy.[2][3]

  1. ^ "National Register of Historic Places Nomination Form, Bacone College Historic District". National Park Service. Retrieved January 25, 2022.
  2. ^ "Oklahoma's oldest Native American school, Bacone College, is threatened by debts and disrepair". Graham Lee Brewer, Tulsa World, February 3, 2024. Retrieved February 5, 2024.
  3. ^ Moody, Josh (June 25, 2024). "Bacone College Files for Bankruptcy". Inside Higher Ed. Retrieved June 25, 2024.