CHICKASAW NATION MEDIA RELATIONS PHOTO  Chickasaw Nation Gov. Bill Anoatubby, center with scissors, is joined by several tribal officials, staff and community members to cut the ribbon for the new tribal Science-Technology-Math Academy Wednesday, April 20, in Ada, Okla. First row, from left: Tim Elliott, Redland architect, John Hargrave, East Central University president, Cheri Gordon, tribal Supreme Court justice, Nancy Elliott, tribal legislator, Gov. Anoatubby, Mary Jo Green, tribal legislator, Sara Willie, Science-Technology Math program manager, Lisa John, tribal Education Division administrator, Kagan St. Clair-Shelton and Billy Bonner, robotics team members, Lynne Chatfield, tribal education programs director and Jay Keel, tribal division of Youth and Family administrator.  Second row, from left, robotics mentors James Howerton, Jim Lawson, tribal Housing Division Administrator Wayne Scribner and mentor Ty Moore.ADA, Okla. – An innovative building designed to inspire and nurture future scientists and engineers was officially opened Wednesday, April 20, 2011.



Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby was joined by several hundred guests to open the Chickasaw Nation Science-Technology-Math Academy, located at 301 Seabrook Drive.

The 7,000-square-foot building houses the tribal robotics program and Chickasaw Nation Aviation and Space Academy.
“The Science-Technology-Math Academy is an integral part of our effort to provide the tools and instruction which will inspire our young people to make that important connection between education and a meaningful career,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “We are also providing challenging opportunities such as the robotics teams and LEGO leagues, which should help give these students the confidence to excel in any area of education.”

CNASA is a summer learning program designed to engage Chickasaw students’ interests in aviation, space, science or math.

The building will also provide the LEGO and Metal Mayhem robotics teams and other science student programs a place to conduct meetings, research information for projects, build robots, simulate tournament play, and utilize the flight simulator.

“Some of our former robotics and CNASA students are now pursuing higher education and careers in the science and aerospace fields,” said Gov. Anoatubby. “Our hope is this facility will provide another tool which will help motivate more students to set lofty goals and do what it takes to reach those goals.”

A classroom with SmartBoard technology is available as an additional learning tool for students. The new facility will also include a large shop area, a kitchen, and office space.