Native American Outreach

Our Story

UPDATE 12/19/2025 

Greetings Friends:

It has been a whirlwind since my last update, but I wanted to provide an end of the year synopsis of what has been happening in my world.  Fall term on our Judson University campus has been extraordinarily busy.  Much of my time has been working with schools in the Southwest and traveling to my assigned territory in Wisconsin often, connecting back with my home in northern Wisconsin.  Their support for my Native American Initiative has been nothing short of phenomenal. 

In October, I traveled to Arizona and New Mexico and visited the Rehoboth Christian School. While there, my schedule consisted of a College Fair, a pizza lunch with Juniors and Senior Basketball players, while simultaneously, sharing our vision for what we are doing here at Judson. It has been very exciting. The harvest is ripe there, and while the Midwest is unfamiliar territory for them, that spark and glimmer of enthusiasm lit up at the possibilities of change and pursuing a college education here in the suburbs of Chicago.  From Education, to Architecture, to Business, to the medical field, football and basketball remain high in interest in our athletic department. I encountered many gifted and talented young people.  They have expressed their niche, and desire for change, which has translated to many late nights and conversations on the phone.  I have communicated in great volumes how they can gain opportunities far beyond their scope, while preparing to make a difference and someday shape the world in their respective reservations. The Southwest has a lot of possibilities, and while the Navajo Nation has been a major focus, we have also been creating a foundational base of leaders to add to our support.   

Wisconsin is also producing much competition with recruitment. Having attended several College Fairs now has helped gain momentum towards our future Native American Initiative.  One thing is constant: the desire to pursue higher education and bringing a rich background of experience remain high in their priorities. For that I am grateful. With a supportive Tribal Education Department, and their village of supporters, these students are already on their way to making a positive impact in our Judson community. They will be well cared for.

Speaking to classes this past fall has also been fun, while I am also looking forward to traveling with the Choir this second term.  Love these Judson students!

Thank you all for your ongoing support as we move forward in reaching students from reservations all over in the days ahead.   

~ Lynn Long

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Lynn Long is the first Native American graduate of Judson University, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Visual Arts in 1984. She completed an internship as a Graphic Designer for David C. Cook Publishing and worked at a local advertising agency and Christianity Today, International, prior to transitioning towards education. Lynn earned her Elementary Teaching Certification at Trinity International University, along with two education endorsements and a Master of Arts degree from National Louis University. Lynn is currently in process of completing a Trauma Certificate at Wheaton Graduate School. She recently completed her doctoral coursework at National Louis University and recently graduated with her Doctor of Education degree with her dissertation on “Narratives of Native Americans: Balancing Cultural, Familial, and Academic Identities in their Undergraduate Journeys”. She is currently serving as Judson’s Native American Ambassador and volunteers with Friends of Judson.