News Summary
The Cherokee Nation has proposed a $30 million partnership with the University of Oklahoma to open a satellite nursing campus in Tahlequah. This initiative aims to combat healthcare workforce shortages by enhancing nursing education and training. Key aspects include establishing a nursing curriculum, a $5.15 million scholarship endowment for Cherokee citizens, and $2 million annually for health career training programs. The Cherokee Nation Council is set to vote on this legislation soon, which is part of broader efforts to improve healthcare access in rural Oklahoma.
Oklahoma City, OK — Cherokee Nation Proposes $30 Million Nursing School Partnership with OU
Tahlequah, Oklahoma – The Cherokee Nation has proposed a $30 million partnership with the University of Oklahoma (OU) to establish a satellite nursing campus in Tahlequah. This initiative aims to address healthcare workforce shortages in the region by enhancing nursing education and training opportunities.
Details of the Proposal
Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner have submitted legislation to the Cherokee Nation Council to convert the existing W.W. Hastings Hospital into an education center after the completion of a new hospital this summer. The total investment, including scholarship endowments and annual training funds, exceeds $38 million. The plan includes:
- Establishment of a Satellite Nursing Campus: OU would operate the nursing program, beginning with online courses in fall 2026, followed by the opening of the renovated facility in 2027. The program will focus on associate degree registered nurses and licensed practical nurses seeking bachelor’s degrees.
- Scholarship Endowment: A $5.15 million endowment will fund scholarships for Cherokee citizens who agree to work in the tribe’s health system after graduation.
- Annual Training Funds: The proposal allocates $2 million annually for health career scholarships and training programs.
Legislative Process and Timeline
The Cherokee Nation Council is scheduled to vote on the legislation later this month. If approved, renovation of the W.W. Hastings Hospital will commence after the current hospital relocates to the new $450 million facility on the same campus. This partnership is part of the Cherokee Nation’s broader efforts to strengthen healthcare access and workforce development in rural Oklahoma.
Background Context
The Cherokee Nation operates the largest tribally managed health system in the United States, serving members of all federally recognized tribes and providing over 3 million patient services annually. The tribe employs 14,500 people across its enterprises. Previous collaborations with educational institutions include:
- Stephenson Cancer Center Expansion: In February 2025, the Cherokee Nation invested up to $8 million in a partnership with the University of Oklahoma Health Stephenson Cancer Center in Tulsa to support state-of-the-art cancer treatment centers, providing critical care closer to home for Cherokee Nation citizens and others in the region.
- Medical School Partnership: The Cherokee Nation and Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences have partnered to establish the nation’s only tribally affiliated medical school in Tahlequah, aiming to advance quality healthcare by training a new generation of medical professionals to serve the community.
These initiatives reflect the Cherokee Nation’s commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes for its citizens and neighboring communities through strategic partnerships and investments in education and infrastructure.
Key Features of the Proposed Nursing School Partnership
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Investment Amount | $30 million for the establishment of a satellite nursing campus in Tahlequah. |
| Scholarship Endowment | $5.15 million to fund scholarships for Cherokee citizens who agree to work in the tribe’s health system after graduation. |
| Annual Training Funds | $2 million allocated annually for health career scholarships and training programs. |
| Legislative Process | The Cherokee Nation Council is scheduled to vote on the legislation later this month. |
| Renovation Timeline | Renovation of the W.W. Hastings Hospital will commence after the current hospital relocates to the new $450 million facility on the same campus. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the proposed partnership between the Cherokee Nation and the University of Oklahoma?
The Cherokee Nation has proposed a $30 million partnership with the University of Oklahoma to establish a satellite nursing campus in Tahlequah, aiming to address healthcare workforce shortages in the region by enhancing nursing education and training opportunities.
What does the proposal include?
The proposal includes the establishment of a satellite nursing campus operated by OU, a $5.15 million scholarship endowment for Cherokee citizens, and $2 million annually for health career scholarships and training programs.
When is the legislation expected to be voted on?
The Cherokee Nation Council is scheduled to vote on the legislation later this month. If approved, renovation of the W.W. Hastings Hospital will commence after the current hospital relocates to the new $450 million facility on the same campus.
What is the background of the Cherokee Nation’s healthcare initiatives?
The Cherokee Nation operates the largest tribally managed health system in the United States, serving members of all federally recognized tribes and providing over 3 million patient services annually. Previous collaborations with educational institutions include investments in cancer care and the establishment of a tribally affiliated medical school in Tahlequah.
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