Throughout my student years, I’ve had many great teachers and
colleagues. At the University of Alaska, Richard Scott, Rodger
Powers, Lydia Black, and Jean Aigner completely captured my
interest in anthropology. Richard Scott also taught me the humor
of missteps and past anthropological conundrums. At the
University of Oklahoma, my chair, Morris Foster, introduced me
to the intricacies of political, linguistic, and social theory. John
Moore’s courses on political economy were always excellent. Susan
Vehik, Ryan Vehik, and Joe Whitecotton always provided great
reality checks. They are also a great deal of fun. My colleagues at
the University of Nebraska have been incredibly helpful. They are
also friends. I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to work
with Mark Awakuni-Swetland, Peter Bleed, Peter Collings, Pat
Draper, Ray Hames, Bob Hitchcock, Ron Stephens, Luann
Wandsnider, and Mary Willis. Each of these individuals makes the
Anthropology Department a pleasant and even fun place to work.
Cynthia Willis-Esqueda has been an incredible mentor during my
purgatory years as an assistant professor. Someday I’ll figure out
how to return the favor. Thanks to John Wunder for his insights
into the political economies of the Southern Plains. His helpful
comments on an earlier version of this manuscript were
invaluable. I would also like to thank the University of Nebraska’s
Research Council for their financial support.
