There are approximately 4,861 higher education facilities in the United States, creating 4,861 "nations" specified for education. Each college or university creates its own definition at establishment, as well as during the dynamic changes it experiences year after year. According to Edensor, "the nation persists as a pre-eminent constituent of identity and social processes," allowing the elements of society to create the complexity of nation (1). Edensor also expresses that nation and national identity is created, it is "grounded in everyday, in the mundane details of social interaction, habits, routines, and practical knowledge" (14). Nations also do not have to be visible, it is an imagined community. Universities therefore mimic the concept of nations by establishing boundaries, traditions, citizens, and history. The elements within each university create the identity of the institution through practical life. Elements also, imitate nation themselves through representation.
Here at Indiana State University, we create our own Sycamore Nation.
On this website, Indiana State University will be referenced to as a nation, and the students, staff, and alumni will be considered citizens.
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