Dr. Ellesa Clay High has been selected by the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion as the recipient of the 2015 Neil S. Bucklew award in recognition of her leadership and advocacy in Native American rights.

During her 33 years at WVU as an associate professor of English, High has become a champion for American Indians, Alaska natives and indigenous peoples worldwide. She served as the coordinator of WVU’s Native American Studies program from 1998 to 2005, where she developed a number of initiatives that span into present-day, including the Elder-in-Residence program and the Sycamore Circle Lecture series.

High was essential in helping WVU establish a partnership with the National Park Service to develop an internship for students to interpret Native American history at historic sites.

High authored the first indigenous history of West Virginia known to be authored by a Native person. She co-created the Eastern Woodland American Indian Conference held at WVU—one of the first of its kind in our region. She also coordinated WVU’s Native American International Exchange to Morocco.

High has served as a registered spiritual care consultant with Native American patients at Mon General Hospital since 2000. She also serves on the United Methodist Church General Commission on Race and Diversity.

David Fryson, Vice President of the Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, commended High’s leadership and role as an ambassador throughout the state for Native American and indigenous issues.

“The Neil S. Bucklew award is given to the person who demonstrates leadership, courage and support,” said Fryson. “Dr. High has demonstrated advocacy and leadership for Native American rights within the state and at WVU throughout the past 33 years. Her passion has made her an ambassador for WVU to Native Americans and indigenous issues.”

High is humbled to be the recipient of an honor that has been held by some important mentors in her career.

“I am honored to be following the footsteps of some real mentors to me,” said High. “Carolyn Reyer, who founded the Native American studies program, received the award early on and she was a great mentor,” said High. “The same goes for Dr. Judith Stitzel, who started the Women’s Studies program at WVU and really offered me invaluable guidance along the way.”

The Neil S. Bucklew award is named in honor WVU’s 21st President, who was integral in initiating the Social Justice Program, the forerunner to the recently restructured Division of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. The award is given to the recipient who has demonstrated outstanding leadership courage and support on a continuous basis in the area of social justice at WVU.

-WVU-

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CONTACT: Sharon Mallow, Division of Equity and Inclusion
Sharon.Mallow@mail.wvu.edu; 304.293.5496

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