Sacramento State opens Wileety Native American College

Sacramento State celebrated the grand opening of the Wileety Native American College on Sept. 24, according to The State Hornet student newspaper. The college, the first of its kind in the California State University system, aims to support Native students through Native-based education, leadership training and community engagement.

Annette Reed, dean of WNAC and a citizen of the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation, canceled her retirement to lead the college. The first cohort of 34 students will study majors of their choosing while completing a minor in Native American studies with a focus on tribal leadership. Speakers, including President Luke Wood and tribal leaders, highlighted the importance of a campus space that affirms Native identity. Reed said the college provides a place for students to feel at home and build connections across the university community.