About the Sequoyah Institute

History

Named in honor of the renowned Cherokee educator and inspired by his example, the Sequoyah Institute was founded in 1985 as a non-profit organization of Northeastern State University. Former NSU President, Dr. Don Betz, served as SI's founding director. The institute strives to develop, foster and provide cultural enrichment beyond the classroom and promote the experience and understanding of the fine arts through the Sequoyah Institute Performing Arts Series (formerly Galaxy of Stars) which also includes our Beyond the Stage and Learning LIVE! educational outreach programs, as well as lectureships and the River City Players. Each season, the Sequoyah Institute continues to grow as a vital part of the educational experience offered at NSU.

Mission & Goals

The Sequoyah Institute's mission is to develop, foster and provide cultural enrichment beyond the classroom and promote the understanding of the fine arts as experiences central to the lives of our community: the students of Northeastern State University, the residents of our campus communities and the surrounding areas. The Sequoyah Institute continually works to achieve one overriding goal-enriching lives through arts and culture. We work toward providing our community with quality arts experiences that explore the dynamic relationship between performers and audience; educating and engaging our community in promoting the vital role that the arts play in our lives; supporting and nurturing artists in our community and the community at large; and promoting and encouraging the celebration of cultural diversity in our community through the arts.