Native American Support Program

"Rita Hodge is the Director of the Native American Support Program at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). In this position she is charged with the primary administrative operation of the Native American Support Program which includes staff supervision, program development, staff hiring/evaluation, and budget planning. She is an enrolled member of Dine` Nation and originally from Farmington, New Mexico. She demonstrates her commitment to preserving tribal traditions by working with individuals, communities, schools, and organizations to promote knowledge and understanding of Native history, education, languages, and the arts."

"Carol Parks is NASP´s office support associate and has been the foundation of the program with a service of over twenty five years! Carol has established a working relationship with key personnel from other departments and is particularly knowledgeable about procedures and policies in regards to solving multilayered issues. Besides being the backbone of NASP, Carol maintains close relationships to current students and alumni that have since relied on her for advice and a smile."

"Jonathon A. MeDrano (Arapaho/Caddo) graduated with three BA from UIC, two MA and is completing his PhD. at the University of Chicago. His research concentrates on the development and expression of Native American identity and spirituality in the urban context. He has worked for various federal, state and city agencies throughout his professional career. Jonathon continued to volunteer and contribute when his scheduled permitted towards the advancement of indigenous peoples. He has since committed full-time to becoming an academic counselor/advisor to Native American students at UIC and a lifetime dedication to indigenous communities across globe."