Stone Child College installs president

Rocky Boy's Stone Child College officially inaugurated its new president Friday in a ceremony that began with traditional song and dance from young singers and drummers who got the day off from school for the occasion.

Many notable people were invited to take a seat of honor for Nathaniel St. Pierre's inauguration, including representatives from Montana State University-Northern and MSU-Billings, previous president Melody Henry and others.

"I'm very excited as we start this brand new beginning," said Cory Sangrey-Billy, the SCC dean of students. Sangrey-Billy started off the multitude of speakers to come before the audience to speak on behalf of St. Pierre.

"We have some good ideas, and I'm very excited about these new beginnings," Henry said. "I wish Nate the best of luck and thanks for taking this position."

Northern Chancellor James Limbaugh took the podium after Henry.

"On behalf of the faculty and students of MSU-N, we are looking forward to a long relationship with Stone Child College," Limbaugh said.

"Nate is a former student of mine ... ," MSU-B Chancellor Rolf Groseth said. "He's made great progress and has a great future at Stone Child College."

Nathaniel St. Pierre, Ph.D., was sworn in to take his post as the fifth president of SCC by Ted Russette of the Stone Child College Board of Regents.

"This is a very humbling experience for me," St. Pierre said. "It's an honor to be here. I'm grateful for the people here to recognize and witness this event. I'm extremely proud to stand before you today."

St. Pierre said that he wanted to thank Stone Child's past presidents, saying each one of them was responsible for laying the foundation of the college.

He then spoke of his family and his past. St. Pierre said his mother was a great influence of his and his brothers, inspiring them to pursue careers in education.

St. Pierre's brother, Voyd, is the superintendent of Rocky Boy schools.

He added that his father was one of the first of the Chippewa Cree tribal members to graduate from a college.

"Stone Child College is a work in progress," St. Pierre said. "What measure must be taken to ensure growth, stability and identity?"

He added that he believed the role of president is one that involves following and understanding the vision of the college and providing the college with charismatic leadership.

"I want to exchange ideas ... to learn from each other," St. Pierre said. "I want to do things; to make things happen."

St. Pierre said his first changes to the college "may seem cosmetic at first," but that this is only the beginning of things to come.

He said that the most important thing is the students of the college.

"Students do not have a reason to fail," St. Pierre said. "We will give them every chance to succeed. ... Stone Child College is where students should be held in high regard."

Drawing his speech to close, St. Pierre spoke of being able to work with people's criticism, comments and ideas in order to further the college.

"I am determined to lead Stone Child College to be a role model tribal college - not only in Montana, but in the nation," St. Pierre said.