MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION WITH AN EMPHASIS IN AMERICAN INDIAN ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Tachini Pete, MBA `10
American Indian Entrepreneurship

Keeping the Language Alive

I am a co-founder of Nkwusm, Salish Language  Revitalization Institute.  Salish is the language of the Salish and Pend d'Oreille tribes on the Flathead Reservation.  I have served as the Executive Director of this non-profit organization since it began operating in 2002.  After a few years running the organization I realized I needed business management skills to maintain growth.  The MBA education I received at  Gonzaga has been very beneficial to my organization.  I can't imagine where the operation would be had I not attended the MBA program.

Nkwusm operates the only Salish Language immersion school in the world.  It serves children from pre-school to eighth-grade.  Our mission is to create and provide quality education programs in the Salish Language to all ages.  There are only 47 first-language fluent speakers of Salish remaining, most are 70 years old and older.  Our job is to connect the language of our ancestors to the children and people of today through these remaining speakers.

My organization is in a capacity building state.  We are creating young teachers to expand Salish language opportunities to as many community people as do and will want to learn.  My MBA education will continue to help me manage and grow our efforts to save the language.  I am especially grateful to the Johnson Foundation and the MBA-AIE for all their support in getting me through the program.

Want to connect with Tachini?
E-mail him at : tachini@salishworld.com

THE MBA/AIE. . .

• Prepares leaders to effectively manage and support sustainable business on American Indian reservations
• Newly revised to a 35-credit hour, 2 year lock-step program
• Is taught by the School of Business Administration faculty
• Is funded by the Johnson Scholarship Foundation and Gonzaga University

THE PROGRAM STRUCTURE

• Each new cohort begins in the summer with a six week session at GU. 
• Fall and Spring semesters will be taught via distant learning (online, videos, and special projects).
• One weekend of each fall and spring semester the cohorts will come to GU for on-site instruction.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

• Bachelor's degree
• A minimum index score of 1050 (GPA x 200 + GMAT score)
• Minimum GMAT score of 450
• Enrolled membership in a federally recognized American Indian tribe is a requirement for ALL candidates EXCEPT for non-natives working at tribal colleges and native owned businesses

ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS and ACCEPTANCE POLICY

1. Copy of Tribal Enrollment Verification Card (unless teaching at a Tribal College)
2. A completed application form
3. Two confidential letters of recommendation
4. One copy of official transcripts from each college and university attended
5. Official GMAT score, taken no later than March 31st
6. Professional resume
7. Three short essays in 150 words or less per essay.
   Essay 1:  What matters most to you and why?
   Essay 2:  How would an MBA in AIE degree benefit you?
   Essay 3:  How would you impact your tribe or Native American Community by completing the MBA in AIE program?
8. All application materials other than GMAT due no later than April 1st
9. After acceptance the student is required to pay a $250 commitment fee, which is refundable after graduation
10. A statement of financial need will be required upon acceptance

THE GMAT EXAM

• The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a computer adaptive test (CAT) used to measure verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills.
• The GMAT is available year-round at test centers throughout the USA.
• Call 1-800-717-GMAT to verify the test center nearest you, or visit http://www.mba.com/mba to register online.
• POWERPREP is interactive software containing practice questions and two timed computer adaptive tests.
• POWERPREP software is available at http://www.mba.com/mba

OTHER INFORMATION

• On campus housing will be provided for students during the six-week summer session.
• Family members are welcome to live with students on campus during the summer.
• Spokane and its surrounding communities have various events during the summer to entertain family members.

THE FORMATION OF THE MBA/AIE PROGRAM

• The Johnson Scholarship Foundation (formerly the Theodore R. & Vivian M. Johnson Scholarship Foundation) allocated scholarship support for American Indians through the 33 Tribal Colleges of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium.
• The purpose is to stimulate the development of small business on American Indian reservations, thereby increasing the number of employment opportunities.
• The Johnson Foundation chose Gonzaga University to develop the MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship Program because it is nationally recognized, accredited, and the program is consistent with the University's mission.  We would like to extend our sincere thank you to The Johnson Scholarship Foundation for working with Gonzaga University over the past ten years to create and sustain the MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship (MBA-AIE) Program.

If you have questions or would like to request further information regarding the MBA/AIE program please contact: