History
NAARP…NASS…OISS
In July 1994, under the leadership of NAU President Dr. Clara Lovett, a new student affairs department was established to improve retention and graduation rates among Native American college students. This department, originally named the Native American Academic Retention Program (NAARP), began with a team of three staff members.
The founding team—Tessie Moate, Catherine Talakte, and Dennison Young—was recruited to design a program specifically tailored to support Native American students. Over time, the program grew to include a Director, Secretary, Graduate Assistant, and student employees. NAARP was later renamed Native American Student Services (NASS).
From 1994 to 2011, the NASS office was located in the University Union (Building 30). In October 2011, NASS moved into the newly opened Native American Cultural Center (renamed the Center for Native American and Indigenous Futures in Fall 2025), located in Building 14.
As NAU’s student population became increasingly diverse—representing Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nation, and Aboriginal communities—and with input from students, NASS adopted a new name in November 2018: the Office of Indigenous Student Success (OISS).
Today, OISS continues its mission of providing holistic support to Indigenous students through a culturally grounded approach. Signature programs include the Indigenous Peer Mentoring Program, Indigenous Connections to Success Program, and events focused on wellness, community building, and mentorship. OISS is part of the Inclusive Student Mentoring and Success subdivision within the Division of Student Affairs.