Founded in 2013, the Gadugi Partnership is a partnership between Appalachian State University and Cherokee Central Schools. In the Cherokee language, Gadugi means “working together.”
This partnership began as an initiative to address the critical need for Native American educators but has since expanded to support Indigenous students as they pursue various fields of study. The Gadugi Partnership hosts events throughout the year to educate others while also celebrating the many accomplishments of Native Americans.
A Cherokee native, Dr. J. Allen Bryant, associate professor of elementary education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction, is the director of App State’s Gadugi Partnership. Bryant teaches three courses at Cherokee High School, with hopes to improve the number of Eastern Cherokee students who attend college. Bryant also serves as the primary advisor for the Native American Student Association at App State.
Gadugi Partnership Mission Statement
Gadugi is a dual enrollment partnership between Appalachian State University and Cherokee Central Schools that strives to prepare, support and sustain the future leaders of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians through coursework, service and cultural immersion.
Gadugi Partnership Blog
Interested in learning more about App State’s Gadugi Partnership? Check out this blog for news and events related to the program. The blog is maintained by Dr. J. Allen Bryant, director of App State’s Gadugi Partnership and an associate professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction.
For questions about the Gadugi Partnership, contant Dr. Allen Bryant at bryantja@appstate.edu.