Reflecting on her time at the University, Bonnie Brown, Native American Studies program coordinator and teaching assistant professor in the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, said, “It’s been such a blessing.”
Brown was selected as the Eberly Grand Marshal for the May 17 Commencement ceremony, an honor awarded to one exemplary faculty member for each of the nine ceremonies.
Serving in the role marked a milestone to celebrate her final year with the University after 30 years of service.
“The terrific students I’ve taught over the years, the great colleagues and other people I’ve worked with, and, importantly, the treasured friendships with Native American leaders, have combined into a deeply rewarding experience,” Brown said.
Brown joined the University in 1996 as a visiting assistant professor of journalism in the Perley Isaac Reed School of Journalism — now the Reed School of Media and Communications. Here, she continued her commitment to highlighting the voices of underrepresented communities in media, including those of the 575 federally recognized Native American tribes.
However, she didn’t anticipate becoming the longtime coordinator for the Native American Studies program.
When the Eberly dean at the time, Rudy Almasy, approached her with an offer, she “politely put him off,” saying, “No, this is not really for me. You need to pursue a more suitable candidate.”
He then called her back to his office a month later with a contract on the table and said, “Look, the people on the committee really want you to take this. I really want you to take it.”
Brown, who had worked in a consulting capacity with the program for four years, reluctantly agreed to take the position for one year, envisioning that a search would continue for a long-term coordinator. That was 21 years ago.
“I quickly embraced the program mission and was more involved and engaged than ever,” she said. “It’s been really fulfilling.”
In the role, Brown emphasized treaty rights, tribal sovereignty and the amplification of concerns from Native peoples across the country. She did this by educating her students on the Native American histories, cultures and contemporary issues that are typically lacking in K-12 instruction.
“I’ve been told by many Native people and faculty at peer institutions that they like how our WVU program is structured,” she said. “We focus strongly on contemporary peoples and issues. It’s not strictly a history-intensive program, piecing together accounts by non-Natives or viewing cultures through a sepia-toned lens.
“Native people have stressed that, because their numbers are small in proportion to the overall U.S. population, they’re often invisible to the rest of America,” she added.
Through the years, Brown has welcomed speakers from dozens of tribes and taken students to visit Native communities. One of her most memorable classes involved learning about subsistence living in the Yup’ik village of Tuntutuliak, located on the southwest Alaska tundra. Made possible by adjunct instructor Angela Grabuloff, the trip culminated in a potluck party that included Chico Bakery pepperoni rolls, moose stew, seal meat and salmon.
During the party, students presented slideshows about their homes. The presentations aligned with the important Indigenous value of reciprocity, showing gratitude for all that the community had generously shared during the week. Brown described the powerful conclusion of the event, when the last student speaker asked the audience of 130 what they would like students to tell the people back home about them. A man stood and replied, “Tell them we’re still here.”
“The sentiment in those five words is at the heart of the work I’ve done over the decades and will continue to do in some capacity. I will always strive to honor that request,” she said.
Brown, who is retiring with emeritus status in August, said, “I plan to enjoy some free time but will keep an open mind to what the future might hold — something I hope this year’s graduates can learn from my career journey.
“I never thought, after teaching at the University of South Dakota where I’d produced Native American-focused media, that coming here as a visiting professor in August of 1996 with a one-to-three-year commitment would result in me still being here 30 years later, prepping for retirement,” Brown said.
“If you keep an open mind about the opportunities that present themselves and are unafraid to try new things, testing the waters a little bit here and there, and not feeling that you have to follow a rigid script for how life should flow, you will experience some amazing adventures.”
Other May Commencement Grand Marshals included the following:
Allison Dagen, Chester E. and Helen B. Derrick Teacher Education Endowed Professor in the College of Applied Human Sciences.
Michael Dougherty, Extension professor and specialist for the Davis College of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
Hota GangaRao, Wadsworth Professor and Director of the Constructed Facilities Center in the Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources.
General Hambrick, associate professor of dance in the College of Creative Arts and Media.
Bernardo (Bernie) F. Quiroga, associate professor of supply chain management in the Chambers College of Business and Economics.
Dr. Ali Rezai, executive chair, vice president of neuroscience in the School of Medicine.
Dr. Robert Wanker, clinical professor of dentistry at the Health Sciences Center.
Elaine Wilson, professor of law in the College of Law.