Salish Kootenai College formally announced on Friday, Oct. 30, that it will begin its 50th anniversary celebration next fall by rebranding as Séliš Ksanka Ql̓ispé University. 

SKC President Michael Munson said this name change recognizes all the tribes of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Nation and reflects the growth of an institution built through “vision, determination and care of those who came before us.” She said it also creates a wealth of opportunities for both students and the institution. 

“Our founders were driven by our ancestors' charge that the education necessary to strengthen our people would be rooted in our cultures, our languages and our homes,” Munson said. “That commitment guides us today.” 

Munson explained that this change reflects what SKC is already offering. The college has functioned like a university, offering bachelor’s and master’s degrees and cutting-edge research. She added that this change recognized what it intends to be. The college’s mission and vision remain unchanged. 

“Thank you for helping carry this institution forward. Its story belongs to generations of people who believe in what education could make possible for our communities,” she said. “We are proud to honor that legacy as we begin the next chapter together.” 

Board Chair Eldena Bear Don't Walk said this change continues what they’ve built over the last 50 years. She said the institution will still offer many of the things a two-year college does, but it also offers master’s degrees. 

“We want to continue to be, frankly, the best value in Montana for those degrees,” Bear Don’t Walk said. 

Tracie McDonald, a board member and daughter of one of the founders, Joe McDonald, said his vision for the college was amazing then, and the college still is amazing. She explained that it started out as Salish Kootenai Community College, changed to SKC, and this change is a natural progression as “we continue to grow and strive for excellence.” 

“We’re the most famous tribal college in the nation, and we will continue to be so,” she said. 

During an SKC press conference on Friday, Munson said the college has been preparing for this change since the SKC Board of Directors made the decision last November. Next month, SKC will submit documentation to the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an independent nonprofit accreditor. Munson said that approval will take approximately six months. 

The change doesn’t affect currently enrolled students, but they will see the new name on their diploma. Munson also said this will not change tuition rates, and future changes would result from “other matters.” 

She believes this change will boost enrollment because, under SKC, people didn’t realize the opportunities it offers, and the media coverage and rebrand will make the university more accessible for many people. 

Munson said changing all the signage and completing the rebrand will be expensive, and they don’t plan to do it all at once. Bear Don’t Walk added that they will be seeking private funders to help complete the rebrand. 

    Salish Kootenai College Board of Directors member Germane White speaks to the press at SKC's formal announcement that it will become Séliš Ksanka Ql̓ispé University this fall. (Emily Heimark/Leader)