Haskell Indian Nations University is entering another fall semester with high enrollment. Despite budget concerns, the interim president said federal funding is secure for the year.
ProPublica reported in June that the Trump administration proposed a roughly 90% slash to Bureau of Indian Education higher education funding for fiscal year 2026.
Later in June, the Haskell faculty senate wrote in a news release that the massive cut would defund the university “beyond any hope of functionality and without appropriate due process.”
But Interim President Mackie Moore, via a BIE spokesperson, said this week that “Haskell is fully funded for the 2025-26 academic year.”
Moore did not elaborate on the U.S. Congress’ budget work progress or how Haskell might later be impacted by the proposed cuts.
Haskell is governed by the BIE and represents students of more than 140 tribal nations around the country. It’s one of only two tribal colleges or universities, out of 35 accredited TCUs, that’s funded and operated by the federal government. According to a 2024 investigative story by ProPublica, Congress underfunds TCUs by $250 million annually.
Resilience is a well established trait of Haskell’s; the institution has “survived persistent neglect,” the faculty senate wrote in its June news release.
Haskell in February had to fire about 25% of its faculty and staff on campus under federal orders. The BIE spokesperson, who asked not to be named, confirmed all employees were offered reinstatement, but it’s unclear all the positions that ultimately resumed.
High enrollment continues
Classes at Haskell start next week. Moore said as of Monday, 946 students were enrolled for fall 2025, and 653 secured campus housing for the 2025-26 year.
Those numbers aren’t much less than the previous year, when Haskell reached its housing capacity and overbooked dorms a week before the semester would begin. With around 970 students enrolled for fall 2024, Haskell saw its largest enrollment in more than a decade. Some students had been told to defer to spring.
Remodeling at Pocahontas Hall was nearly finished, but Moore said there’s still cosmetic and cleaning work that won’t be completed until sometime later this school year. The university announced a related dorm change last week.
Moore said all students previously assigned to Pocahontas Hall have been reassigned to Blalock Hall because it has greater capacity. Additionally, the building’s HVAC system is ready after being repaired, tested and cleared for use. Students staying in Blalock Hall over the summer had to move to another residence because of air conditioning issues.
The BIE spokesperson said Haskell has adequate housing to meet student needs this fall.
Haskell’s Board of Regents and the BIE are currently searching for the next permanent president of the university. Arpan resigned in May after about two years in the role. The BIE spokesperson said the bureau “remains committed to finding a visionary leader who will advance the university’s mission.”
The position is currently posted on USAJobs.gov with Friday, Aug. 29 as the date the application closes.
Moore, previously dean of the College of Business, said he is honored to serve in the interim.
“Looking ahead, Haskell is focused on welcoming new and returning students to campus,” Moore said via the spokesperson. “We’re all excited about the year ahead and about creating an exciting and successful academic experience for our students. Onward, Haskell.”
Students with questions regarding their housing status can email haskell.housing@haskell.edu.
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Maya Hodison (she/her), equity reporter, can be reached at mhodison@lawrencekstimes.com. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
More coverage — Haskell Indian Nations University:
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