Dr. Hugh Foley

Dr. Foley is a widely respected Oklahoma music historian, an author and founding board member of the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame.

His primary areas of scholarship are American Studies with an emphasis on Oklahoma music and culture, Native American studies and cinema.

He currently serves as the faculty consultant at the campus radio station, KRSC-FM, where he produces a weekly Native American current events and music program, and mentors students in basic studio operations.

Education

Ph.D., English
Oklahoma State University
Dissertation: Jazz from Muskogee, Oklahoma: Eastern Oklahoma as a Hearth of Musical Culture

M.A., English with a Creative Writing Emphasis
New York University
Poetry workshops with Galway Kinnell, Sharon Olds, Louis Simpson, and Jean Valentine. Literature with Harold Bloom and Jess B. Bessinger, Jr.

B.A., English and American Literature
New York University, 1987

General Studies
DeKalb Community College, Clarkston, GA

Honor Graduate
Defense Information School (Broadcasting), US Army

Relevant Additional Education

• Fall 2002/Spring 2003, Completed Outstanding Professors’ Academy via the Education Leadership Academy through University of Central Oklahoma.
• Oct./Dec. 2002, Completed 10, one-hour hour Muscogee language classes, Tulsa Public Schools.
• June 2001, Completed forty-hour Cherokee Nation History Course, Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma in Tahlequah.
• Fall 1999/Spring 2000, Completed beginning and intermediate level Muscogee language  classes through Oklahoma State University’s Arts and Sciences Extension program.
• August 1999, Completed Telecommunications and Distance Learning Technology Training, to include PowerPoint and Web page design, through the Oklahoma Department of Vocational and Technical Education.

Teaching Experience

2023-Present, Department Head for Fine Arts and Communications
1995-Present, Department of Fine Arts
Rogers State University, Claremore, OK
Taught: Contemporary Native American Issues, Native Americans of North America, Native Americans of Oklahoma, Native American Literature, Intro to Cinema, International Cinema, Music Appreciation, Honors Music Appreciation, Fundamentals of Music, History of Music, Creative Writing, Composition I & II, World Literature I & II, Humanities I, Radio/TV Announcing, Radio Studio Practice, Introduction to Mass Communications, Radio News Reporting

1995-1997, Adjunct Instructor
Connors State College, Warner, OK
Taught: Music in Life, Composition I & II

1995-1996, Adjunct Instructor
Central Texas College, Norfolk, VA
Taught: Composition I & II, Developmental Writing, Basic English Skills. Delivery method:  Taught on board US Navy ships to sailors while at sea

Spring 1996, Teaching Assistant
1993-1995, Teaching Associate 
Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK
Taught: ESL instructor to international graduate teaching assistants, Composition I & II

1991-1993, Substitute Teacher in English
Oakland Public Schools, Oakland, CA

1989-1990, Instructor 
1987-1990, Teaching Assistant 
New York University, New York, NY
Taught: Creative Writing, Assisted Radio Production, On-Air Techniques

Media Experience

5/98-Present, Rogers State University, Claremore, OK
Teach courses in music appreciation and Native American studies on live-interactive television utilizing self-produced audio/visual materials ranging from documentary video and other original images to power point presentations, maps, and graphs related to the material being presented in the courses.

5/98-Present, KRSC-FM, Rogers State University, Claremore, OK, 
Faculty advisor, student mentor and advisor to student music director, producer of weekly American Indian public affairs and music program, created college music format and programming wheel for the station.

5/98-Present, KUSH-AM, Cushing, OK  (Americana/Pop Country/Classic Country)
Consultant, music director, produce weekly American Indian public affairs and music program.

Awards

• Big 12 American Indian Student Leadership Award, Advisor of the Year, 2007.
• Tulsa Indian Coalition Against Racism, Media Advocacy Award, 2006.
• Ray Brown Popular Culture Service Award, 1998.
• Raymond Ford Poetry Prize, Avon Books, New York, 1987.
• Richard Brunner Journalism Award, DeKalb Community College, Clarkston, GA, 1985.
• Honor Graduate, Defense Information School, US Army, 1980.

Grants Received

• November, 2008  $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November, 2007  $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2006 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2005 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2004 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2003 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2002 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2001 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• November 2000 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.
• May 2000 – $254  through a Rogers State University Organized Research Grant to produce multiple copies of my dissertation for publication submission and library placements.
• November 1999 – $1,000 from the Oklahoma State Arts Council for producing the Rogers State University Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival.

Professional Service

• Rogers State University Faculty Development Committee, 2007-present.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, Spanish, Spring 2007.
• RSU Department of Communications and Fine Arts Reorganization Task Force, Chair, 2006.
• RSU Department of Communications and Fine Arts Endowed Speaker Series Committee, Chair, 2006.
• OSRHE American Indian Studies Statewide Matrix Committee, Chair, 2004-2005.
• Oklahoma Folklife Council, President, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009
• RSU Department of Communications and Fine Arts BALA Capstone Committee, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, Music, Spring 2006.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, Communications, Summer, 2005.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, Music, Spring 2005.
• Rogers State University Mascot Committee, Chair, 2004-2005.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, Radio/TV, Spring, 2004.
• Rogers State University Assessment Committee for Accreditation, Spring 2003-Fall 2004.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, English, Fall-Spring 2001-02.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Chair, English, Summer 2001.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Radio-TV/Mass Communications, Spring 2001.
• Rogers State University Research Committee, 2001-Present.  Chair 2003-2007
• Initiated the development of the RSU Institutional Research Board Policy regarding human and animal subjects.
• Rogers State University Marketing Committee, Rogers State University, 1999-2001.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committee, Radio-TV/Mass Communications, 1999.
• Rogers State University Advisor, Native American Student Association, 1998-Present. Took RSU NASA members to Big 12 Native American Student Leadership Conference in Lincoln, Nebraska, in April, 2002, in Stillwater, Oklahoma, in March, 2003, in Norman, Oklahoma in March 2004, and Lawrence, Kansas in April, 2005.
• Rogers State University Hiring Committees, Humanities and History, 1998.
• Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Foundation, Inc., Founding Board Member, 1995 – 2003
• Induction Selection Committee Chair, 1995-Present. Ex-officio board member, 2005-present.
• Southwest Popular Culture Association/Southwest Culture Association Annual Meetings, 1995 & 1996. Conference Coordinator.

Community Service

• Master of Ceremonies, Payne County Fair Family Powwow, Stillwater, OK, August 30, 2006.
• Master of Ceremonies, Stillwater, Oklahoma Indian Education (Title VII) Powwow, May 6, 2005.
• Master of Ceremonies, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert, Muskogee, OK 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007
• Judge, Miss Indian Oklahoma Pageant, Tulsa, Oklahoma, November 4, 2005.
• Master of Ceremonies, Stillwater, Oklahoma Indian Education (Title VII) Powwow, March, 2005.
• Master of Ceremonies. Sand Springs, Oklahoma Indian Education Stomp Dance, February, 2005.
• Moderator. League of Women Voters Rogers Country Sheriff’s Debate, July, 2003.
• Master of Ceremonies.  Cushing, OK Title IX Head Start Benefit Powwow.  2002 and  2004.
• Host annual RSU Spring Native American craft workshop in the RSU Nature Reserve, open to the public 1998- Present.
• Facilitated Cherokee Nation Housing Authority’s Annual Craft Workshop and Dinner in RSU gymnasium March, 2002.
• Volunteer Basic English Skills Instructor, Native American Resource Center, Tulsa, OK, Summer 2001
• Stillwater, OK YMCA Basketball Coach, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, (planned 2008)
• Stillwater, OK Public Schools Indian Education Committee, Historian, 1999-2000, 2007-2008.

Select Publications & Productions

“Oklahoma Rock and Roll History Exhibit,” Oklahoma History Center, Consultant, (opens spring, 2009)

Oklahoma Music Guide, 2nd edition. New Forums Press, Stillwater, OK (forthcoming, 2008).
“Oklahoma Tribal Literature” entry for Encylopedia of American Indian Literature (forthcoming, 2007).

Oklahoma Music History video for daily showing at the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Museum.

“Chitto Harjo,” “Leaford Bearskin,” “Muskogean  Language,”  “Baptist Church,” entries for Encyclopedia of the American Indian. ABC-CLIO: Santa Barbara, CA. Spring, 2007.

Instructor’s Resource Manual CD-ROMfor The World of Music (McGraw-Hill, 2007).

Slapout, Mortimer CD, played trombone, guitar, wrote songs, and performed vocals on independent folk rock CD.

Oklahoma Route 66 Music Guide. New Forums Press, Stillwater, OK, 2004, (2nd edition, 2005).

The Delicious Militia, Wigglin’ CD. Played trombone on independent folk rock CD.

Western Carolina University Literary Journal. Poem, “Waiting for Willie.” Fall, 2005.

“Atoka Agreement (1897)” entries for Encyclopedia of Native American Treaties. ABC-CLIO: Santa 
Barbara, CA. Spring, 2004.

Oklahoma Music Guide.  New Forums Press, Stillwater, OK, 2003.

Sounds of People and Places.  3rd ed.  Rowan and Littlefield Press.  Book chapter: “From Stomp Dances to Dew Songs: American Indian Music in Oklahoma at the Turn of the 21st Century.” January, 2003.

Savage Country: American Indian Mascots in Oklahoma High School Football. Video documentary. 2002.

Flint Hills Review. Poem, “Poetry Reading on a Football Saturday.”  Fall, 2002.

Blue Collar Review. Poem, “Ship Talk.”  Fall 2001.

Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture. Oklahoma City: Oklahoma Historical Society, 
Wrote entries for actors and actresses Rue McClanahan, Vera Miles, Dale Robertson, Dan Rowan, Wes Studi, Alfre Woodard, and director Blake Edwards. Musical entries for The GAP Band, Bob Dunn, Leon Russell, Barney Kessel, JJ Cale, Patti Page, Chet Baker, Lowell Fulson, Elvin Bishop, and the subject entry for “Blues in Oklahoma.”

The Encyclopedia of New York State: Syracuse: Syracuse UP, 2007. Entries for Steely Dan,    
Velvet Underground, Lou Reed, Ramones, Duane Eddy, 10,000 Maniacs/Natalie Merchant.

Reviews & Editing

Spring, 2007: Reviewed manuscript, Woody Guthrie’s Oklahoma Hills, by renowned Woody Guthrie  scholar, Guy Logsdon, for OU Press.

Fall, 2005: Reviewed second edition of textbook, First Peoples: A Documentary Survey of American  Indian History, for Bedford/St. Martin’s Press.

Fall, 2005: Reviewed 6th edition of textbook, The World of Music for McGraw-Hill Publishers.

Fall, 2004: Reviewed manuscript, Swingin’ the Devil’s Dream: Spade Cooley, King of Western Swing for OU Press.

Fall, 2003: Reviewed manuscript, Leon Russell: A Biography, for OU Press.

Select Presentations, Appearances & Readings

December 4, 2008, Invited presentation on Muscogee (Creek) hymns at Tulsa Public Library’s American Indian Resource Center.

November 22, 2008, Producer of the annual Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival at RSU’s Claremore campus. This event is produced in cooperation with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the  National Endowment for the Arts. RSU’s Department Fine Arts and the Native American Student Association are also co-sponsors of the event.

October 8, 2008, Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert-emcee of induction ceremony and concert; shot, edited, and wrote script for Wichita and Affiliated Tribes induction in the American Indian Music Category.

October 8, 2008, Leadership Tulsa, OSU Tulsa-Invited presentation on “History of American Indians in Tulsa, OK”.

September 16, 2008, Newkirk Public Library, Newkirk, OK – Invited presentation on Washington Irving’s Tour on the Prairies.

June 21, 2008, Oklahoma Folklife Festival – Help coordinate the festival as president of the Oklahoma Folklife Council; also shot and produced a 10-minute video of the festival for promotional purposes and 
for follow-up grant packets.

May 24, 2008, Invited presenter at the Oklahoma Blues Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Concert, Rentiesville, OK.

May 17, 2008, RSU Graduation Honor Powwow – Coordinator.

April 8-13, 2008, Madison, WI-Invited presentation to represent Oklahoma at Central States Speech Teachers Association Convention with lecture on video presentation of  “American Indian Mascots in American Sports”.

March 27, 2008, Tulsa Public Library-Invited presentation on “Diversity of American Indian Music”.

March 11, 2008, Leadership Tulsa, OSU Tulsa-Invited presentation on “History of American Indians in Tulsa, OK”.

March 8, 2008, RSU Nature Reserve – Coordinator of Native American Student Association Craft Workshop to make stickball sticks and baskets. This event is free and open to the public.

February 29-March 1, 2008, Oklahoma Native Students in Higher Education, Weatherford, OK – Trip with RSU Native American Student Association as the student group’s advisor.

February 13 – February 15, 2008, SWPCA/ACA Meeting, Albuquerque, NM, “The Case for an American Indian Sesame Street”. Abstract: With the availability of low-cost consumer digital editing capabilities, and very affordable reproduction technology, producing video by those who may not have professional media experience is more possible than ever. This presentation will demonstrate how a set of puppets, a basic script in a tribal language, a digital camera, and computer editing software can provide the substance of educational videos for pre-K Native American language instruction. As an example, a seven-minute Sauk language video produced on a very low budget, Sauk Myeh (Sauk Road), will be shown and discussed.

February 5, 2008, Lincoln Academy, Stillwater, OK – Invited lecture on “Diversity of American Indian Music”.

November 17, 2007, Producer of the annual Native American Storytelling and Traditional Arts Festival at  RSU’s Claremore campus. This event is produced in cooperation with the Oklahoma Arts Council and the National Endowment for the Arts. RSU’s Department Fine Arts and the Native American Student , Association are also co-sponsors of the event.

November 16, 2007, Invited lecture on Oklahoma Statehood Day: American Indian History of Oklahoma from the Native American viewpoint, Tulsa Central Public Library, Tulsa, OK.

November 1, 2007, Presenter of Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Inductions to Mae and Hoyt Axton, as well as emcee for the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame Concert.

October 29, 2007: Invited presentation,  Savage Country: American Indian Mascots in Oklahoma High School Football – Lecture, slide show, and video presentation for graduate seminar for professional librarians at Oklahoma University, Schusterman Center, Tulsa.

October 20, 2007, Presenter of Tulsa World Spot magazine Hall of Fame Award to Oklahoma bluesman, DC  Minner.

October 17, 2007, Panelist and moderator for “Beyond the Box: Alternative Careers in Music” at the College Media Journal Convention in New York City.

September 27, 2007, Invited presentation, “”God’s Traveling Songs: The History, Context, and Form of Muscogee (Creek) Hymns, at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.

September 15, 2007, Invited presentation, “Indian Mascots: To Maintain Tradition or Embrace Respectful Change,” for the Oklahoma Speech, Theatre, Communication Association at Southern Nazarene University in Oklahoma City.

September 12, 2007, Invited presentation, “Tulsa’s Native American History,” for Leadership Tulsa Class 38 at Oklahoma State University – Tulsa Campus.

August, 2007, Guest on Rogers State University’s current events television program, Perspectives, discussing the Oklahoma Music Hall of Fame and Oklahoma music history.

May 12, 2007, Coordinator for RSU All-School Graduation Honor Powwow, 1 p.m. – Midnight, Soldier Field, RSU Claremore Campus.

April 17 – 22, 2007, Invited lecture, “God’s Traveling Songs: The History, Context, and Form of Muscogee (Creek) Hymns”, at Yale University, New Haven, CT.

April 12, 2007, Invited lecture:  Savage Country: American Indian Mascots in Oklahoma High School Football – Lecture, slide show, and video presentation at Washington University, St. Louis, MO.

April 5, 2007, Invited presentation on Muscogee (Creek) Hymns at the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Tribal College, Okmulgee, Oklahoma.

July, 2007, Guest on nationally syndicated television program, Oklahoma Horizons, discussing the history of Oklahoma music.

March 30, 31, 2007, Annual RSU American Indian Craft Workshop, RSU Nature Reserve, Claremore campus. Contact Dr. Foley for reservations for this free activity in which we make bows, stickball sticks, and/or baskets.

March 27, 2007, Presentation at Oklahoma State University’s Student Union Little Theater with Yale University Music Professor and jazz musician, Willie Ruff, regarding the tradition of lined-out hymns and specifically how they relate to the tradition of hymn singing among the Muscogee (Creeks).

March 13, 2007, Presentation and musical performance: “Music in the Grapes of Wrath”for The Big Read at the Sheerar Museum in Stillwater, OK.

February 15, 2007, Southwest/Texas and National Popular Culture/American Culture Associations Joint Conference,  Albuquerque, NM. Presentation of the “The Case for an American Indian Sesame Street.” Abstract: With the availability of low-cost consumer digital editing capabilities, and very affordable reproduction technology, producing video by those who may not have professional media experience is more possible than ever. This presentation will demonstrate how a set of puppets, a basic script in a tribal language, a digital camera, and computer editing software can provide the substance of educational videos for pre-K Native American language instruction. As an example, a seven-minute Sauk language video produced on a very low budget, Sauk Myeh (Sauk Road), will be shown and discussed. (Cancelled due to weather issues that prevented travel to Albuquerque. Re-scheduled for 2008).