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Spears School of Business

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Educational outreach

The Spears School of Business is committed to its land-grant mission in fostering workforce development along with economic vitalization and development within our state. As part of our continued engagement with tribal nations, the Spears School provides integrated partnerships in professional development initiatives, educational attainment for career planning and advancement, enhancement of community quality of life, applied research and business synergy and other related areas. Moving forward, we aim to be a hub and accentuate activities that further create a nexus between Spears Business and the tribal business communities.

OSU Tribal Summit

March 6, 2025
The annual Tribal Summit allow tribal leaders to discuss pertinent issues that affect tribal government and tribal business. The sessions will focus on workforce development, casino and business growth, economic advancement, and agricultural and food sovereignty. Networking and booth opportunities are available for further development and education.

Economic impact of tribes in Oklahoma

Native impact study of Oklahoma

  • Oklahoma Tribal Nations rank as a top 10 industry

  • In 2019, the total economic impact tribes made in Oklahoma was $15.6 billion

  • Oklahoma tribes support 113,442 jobs in the state

  • Represent $5.4 billion in wages and benefits to Oklahoma workers 

  • Direct employment exceeds 54,000 jobs 

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2023 American Gaming Association report

Regarding 139 casinos

  • $11.29 billion economic impacts

  • Supports 84,887 jobs

  • $1.85 billion in tax impact and tribal revenue share

  • $4.36 billion in gross gaming revenue (2016)

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Investment in the community by the tribes

    • Over $1.8 billion in exclusivity fees for public education and mental health services

    • $84 million in additional support to schools, municipalities and other community initiatives

    • $232 million paid in Medicaid expenditures at tribal health care facilities

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Goals include

    • Develop a tribal advisory board that will counsel on the needs and associated programming.
    • Create a hub to compile and assist with reference to resources within the Spears School.
    • Leverage existing tribal programs to serve tribes through workforce development.
    • Expand credit certificate programs and credit course offerings with stackable certificates and degrees.
  • Provide resources to further develop employees within tribal business entities (e.g., gaming, hospitality, tourism, finance, accounting, data analytics, supply chain and other specific businesses and services).
  • Offer professional educational and leadership development programs that target specific employees (e.g., front-line, mid-level and executives).
  • Liaison with other academic units (e.g., Agriculture, Engineering, etc.) and other student support organizations (e.g., Center for Sovereign Nations, Native American Student Association etc.) within the OSU system.
  • Engage tribal youth and promote pathways to attend Spears Business.

Frequently asked questions

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