Dr. Daniel Wildcat is a Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation and is currently the Acting-President of Haskell Indian Nations University. He will hold this position until March 17, 2019 and presumes returning to his previous position as Acting-Vice President of Academic Affairs. Dr. Wildcat has worked at Haskell for 33 years where he has held other various positions such as; Deanships, Vice President of University Services and the proudest position he says he has upheld was being a faculty member. “This is where my heart and mind reside, working with bright young na- tive students,” says Dr. Wildcat.
Before attending college, Wildcat mentions being drafted into the Vietnam War in 1972 where he served in the U.S. Army for two years as a weather observer. Later, returning home after his services, he attended the University of Kansas where he obtained a Bachelors degree majoring in Sociology with a minor in Philosophy. He continued with his studies at KU and graduated with a Masters in Sociology at KU. After that he proceeded to obtain a faculty position at Haskell in January of 1986. Ten years later Wildcat was encouraged by Vine Deloria Jr. and others to pursue his education even further. He succeeded in graduating from the University of Missouri-Kansas City completing an Interdisciplinary Ph.D. at the Block School of Public Administration and Business. Wildcat states, “I’m really fortunate because without their en- couragement, I wouldn’t [have] done it.” An interesting fact about Wildcat that you may not know, he shared that while attending high school, he played the guitar in a rock band. He
continued his musician skills again in college when he returned from his service. To this day if he is feeling troubled, he mentions that picking up his acoustic guitar is the best therapy.
When asked about some of the success or awards Wildcat has ac- complished or received while being here at Haskell, he mentions that he subscribes from the ancient teachings. He is very lucky in his life.“… happiness is illusive, the best that we can get is be very lucky, we can be very blessed, and I have certainly been that.” He was most appreciative and honored when asked to co-author the book Power and Place: Indian Educa in America with Vine Deloria Jr. in 2001. Wildcat is also appreciative of all the work involving grants at Haskell. This leads students to opportunities while working with them to be successful. “That’s not an award, those are rewards,” Wildcat says. He is most proud of seeing students grow throughout the years at Haskell and enjoys what he can provide for the students.
Some encouraging words from Dr. Daniel Wildcat:
“First, pay attention, be mindful of what you are doing. Pay attention to all the opportunities that surround you. Get involved here at Haskell and you can really make a difference.” “…A lot of the time I think students have these little voices of doubt that are in the back of their minds saying you can’t do that. Quiet that little voice of doubt, just be brave, courageous and open those doors and see what will happen. A lot of good things will happen when you start opening those doors.”
