Wisdom Keepers
Purpose Statement
The Wisdom Keepers of the College of Health and Human Sciences at NDSU will:
“Identify and support innovative ways to contribute and share their accumulated wisdom and knowledge with the students, faculty, and staff in support of the college to prepare students to become leaders in their fields through programs that span the human life cycle.”
“Our life experiences shape us in a myriad of ways. They change us in conscious and subconscious ways. Our experiences can have a profound impact on how we view our world, others and ourselves. Wisdom is how we use these life experiences to make good and impactful decisions. While working in Cuba, I had the privilege of seeing how elders transitioned into society in this role of wisdom keepers. The elders took on many community roles especially in education. They were involved in K-12 and college. Providing a rich backdrop to daily activities as well as guiding from the side in classroom activities and community outreach. While in Georgia, I had a similar experience working with the “Wisdom Keepers” in our community and on my College’s Advisory Council. These individuals were highly accomplished, thoughtful and wise individuals who had broad experience and deep knowledge and wanted to give back to their community. They provided wise council, expert recommendations and mentorship. The Wisdom Keeps for the College of Health and Human Science will serve as a sage council providing guidance, recommendations and helping hands in our work. This experience is meant to be rewarding for all.”
Dean Teresa Conner, College of Health and Human Sciences
Examples of other Wisdom Keepers: Several different applications of the Wisdom Keeper concept were reviewed: Reigniting the Ancient Ways, Pathways to Peace Wisdom Keepers, Wisdom Project 2030 (Georgia).
Initial activities being discussed
1-Exploration of funding opportunities for CHHS initiatives
- Identify additional funding opportunities based on WK networks
2-Amplifying accomplishments of CHHS initiatives beyond current PR
- Exploring ways to highlight CHHS successes to everyday North Dakotans, North Dakota community leaders, and prospective students
3-Expanding opportunities for student placement for experiential learning
- Exploring expanding experiential learning opportunities for students in medical laboratory, pharmacy and other health care professions
4-CHHS unique contributions to future of Rural/Agri Health in North Dakota
- Creating a funding proposals for developing a community health focused initiative to address rural-Agri health based on NDSU’s unique role as land grant university and successes from other programs/states that complement existing rural healthcare in North Dakota
5-Opportunities to highlight Wisdom Keepers activities
Enhance visibility of unique approach of Wisdom keepers activities to support the CHHS