Diné College
Encyclopedia
Diné College is a two-year, tribally controlled community college
, serving the 27,000 square-mile (about 70,000 km²) Navajo Indian Reservation, which spans the states of Arizona
, New Mexico
, and Utah
.
Its main campus is in Tsaile
, an unincorporated community in Apache County
, Arizona
. It also has seven other campuses on the reservation in Arizona (three in Apache County
(Chinle
, Ganado
, and Window Rock
), one in Coconino County
(Tuba City
), and one in Navajo County
(Kayenta
)) and New Mexico (one in McKinley County
(Crownpoint
) and one in San Juan County
(Shiprock
)). The college is directed by an eight-member Board of Regents confirmed by the Government Services Committee of the Navajo Nation Council. The name Diné
comes from the traditional name for the Navajo, meaning "the people."
Current enrollment is 1,830 students, of which 210 are degree-seeking transfer students for four-year institutions. The main Tsaile campus includes eight 15-room dormitories housing about 150 students: each octagonally shaped unit has a fireplace in the center, and is described by the college as a "hooghan away from hogan" -- a reference to the traditional circular Navajo hogan dwelling.
Scholarships available through the American Indian College Fund
(AICF)
Ned Hatathli became the first president of Navajo Community College in 1969 when it relocated to its new location in Tsaile. Hatathli's presidency ended when he accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun on October 16, 1972.
Tommy Lewis became president in August 1992 and funding from the BIA was around $4 million a year. Under his leadership, funding from the BIA increased to about $7.3 million a year in 2000. The usage of the Navajo Language Culture was strengthened and the Board made a decision to use it throughout the institution. Under the 1994 Equity in Education legislation of the US Congress, it became a Land Grant Institution, joining the ranks of the 1864 and 1890 land grant colleges.
During the Summer of 1997 the Administration changed their name from Navajo Community College to Diné College to reflect their name for themselves meaning The People.
In 1998, Diné College bestowed its first baccalaureate degrees under the Diné Teacher Education Program, accredited under a partnership with Arizona State University.
In 1998, the Library was rededicated the Kinyaa'áanii Charlie Benally. Lewis became president in Library.
On May 21, 2011, the women's archery team made history by winning the United States college national championship in compound bow. This is believed to be the first time a tribal college team has won the top-level intercollegiate national championship event in any sport.
Community college
A community college is a type of educational institution. The term can have different meanings in different countries.-Australia:Community colleges carry on the tradition of adult education, which was established in Australia around mid 19th century when evening classes were held to help adults...
, serving the 27,000 square-mile (about 70,000 km²) Navajo Indian Reservation, which spans the states of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
, New Mexico
New Mexico
New Mexico is a state located in the southwest and western regions of the United States. New Mexico is also usually considered one of the Mountain States. With a population density of 16 per square mile, New Mexico is the sixth-most sparsely inhabited U.S...
, and Utah
Utah
Utah is a state in the Western United States. It was the 45th state to join the Union, on January 4, 1896. Approximately 80% of Utah's 2,763,885 people live along the Wasatch Front, centering on Salt Lake City. This leaves vast expanses of the state nearly uninhabited, making the population the...
.
Its main campus is in Tsaile
Tsaile, Arizona
Tsaile is a census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States, within the Navajo Nation. The population was 1,078 at the 2000 census....
, an unincorporated community in Apache County
Apache County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*23.3% White*0.2% Black*72.9% Native American*0.3% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*2.0% Two or more races*1.3% Other races*5.8% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
, Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. It also has seven other campuses on the reservation in Arizona (three in Apache County
Apache County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*23.3% White*0.2% Black*72.9% Native American*0.3% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*2.0% Two or more races*1.3% Other races*5.8% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(Chinle
Chinle, Arizona
Chinle is a census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States. The population was 5,366 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Chinle is located at ....
, Ganado
Ganado, Arizona
Ganado is a census-designated place in Apache County, Arizona, United States. The population was 1,505 at the 2000 census.Ganado is part of the Navajo Nation...
, and Window Rock
Window Rock, Arizona
Window Rock is the seat of government and capital of the Navajo Nation, the largest territory of a sovereign Native American nation in North America. Window Rock contains the Navajo Nation Council, the Navajo Nation Zoological and Botanical Park, as well as the Navajo Nation World War II Memorial...
), one in Coconino County
Coconino County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*61.7% White*1.2% Black*27.3% Native American*1.4% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.1% Two or more races*5.2% Other races*13.5% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(Tuba City
Tuba City, Arizona
Tuba City is a census-designated place in Coconino County, Arizona, United States. The population was 8,225 at the 2000 census. It is the Dine' Nation's largest community, slightly larger than Shiprock, New Mexico. The Hopi town of Moenkopi lies directly to its southeast.The name of the town...
), and one in Navajo County
Navajo County, Arizona
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*49.3% White*0.9% Black*43.4% Native American*0.5% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*2.5% Two or more races*3.3% Other races*10.8% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(Kayenta
Kayenta, Arizona
Kayenta is a census-designated place which is part of the Navajo Nation and is in Navajo County, Arizona, United States. The population was 5,189 at the 2010 census. Kayenta is located south of Monument Valley and contains a number of hotels and motels which service visitors to Monument...
)) and New Mexico (one in McKinley County
McKinley County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*15.2% White*0.5% Black*75.5% Native American*0.8% Asian*0.0% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.1% Two or more races*4.6% Other races*13.3% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(Crownpoint
Crownpoint, New Mexico
Crownpoint is a census-designated place in McKinley County, New Mexico, United States. The population was 2,630 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Crownpoint is located at ....
) and one in San Juan County
San Juan County, New Mexico
-2010:Whereas according to the 2010 U.S. Census Bureau:*51.6% White*0.6% Black*36.6% Native American*0.4% Asian*0.1% Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander*3.5% Two or more races*7.2% Other races*19.1% Hispanic or Latino -2000:...
(Shiprock
Shiprock, New Mexico
Shiprock is a census-designated place in San Juan County, New Mexico, United States, on the Navajo reservation. The population was 8,156 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Farmington Metropolitan Statistical Area....
)). The college is directed by an eight-member Board of Regents confirmed by the Government Services Committee of the Navajo Nation Council. The name Diné
Dine
-People named Dine:* Jim Dine , an American pop artist* S. S. Van Dine, an art critic and author* Tom Dine, an American government worker-Other meanings:* Beit ed-Dine, a town in Lebanon* Diné, name for the Navajo Nation in the Navajo language...
comes from the traditional name for the Navajo, meaning "the people."
Current enrollment is 1,830 students, of which 210 are degree-seeking transfer students for four-year institutions. The main Tsaile campus includes eight 15-room dormitories housing about 150 students: each octagonally shaped unit has a fireplace in the center, and is described by the college as a "hooghan away from hogan" -- a reference to the traditional circular Navajo hogan dwelling.
Scholarships available through the American Indian College Fund
American Indian College Fund
The American Indian College Fund is an nonprofit organization that helps Native American students, providing them with support through scholarships and funding toward higher education...
(AICF)
History
The college was first opened in 1968 as the Navajo Community College, the first college established by Native Americans for Native Americans. Originally Housed at the Rough Rock Community School while current location was under constructions. Robert Roessel was an advocate for the Navajo language and culture. Although Rosessel was white the Navajo had much respect and considered him a Navajo Elder. He stayed at Rough Rock while the College moved to Tsaile.Ned Hatathli became the first president of Navajo Community College in 1969 when it relocated to its new location in Tsaile. Hatathli's presidency ended when he accidentally shot himself while cleaning his gun on October 16, 1972.
Tommy Lewis became president in August 1992 and funding from the BIA was around $4 million a year. Under his leadership, funding from the BIA increased to about $7.3 million a year in 2000. The usage of the Navajo Language Culture was strengthened and the Board made a decision to use it throughout the institution. Under the 1994 Equity in Education legislation of the US Congress, it became a Land Grant Institution, joining the ranks of the 1864 and 1890 land grant colleges.
During the Summer of 1997 the Administration changed their name from Navajo Community College to Diné College to reflect their name for themselves meaning The People.
In 1998, Diné College bestowed its first baccalaureate degrees under the Diné Teacher Education Program, accredited under a partnership with Arizona State University.
In 1998, the Library was rededicated the Kinyaa'áanii Charlie Benally. Lewis became president in Library.
On May 21, 2011, the women's archery team made history by winning the United States college national championship in compound bow. This is believed to be the first time a tribal college team has won the top-level intercollegiate national championship event in any sport.
Programs
- The Center for Diné Studies, whose goal is to apply Navajo principles to advance quality student learning through (Thinking), (Planning), (Living) and (Assurance) in study of the Diné language, history, and culture in preparation for further studies and employment in a multi-cultural and technological world.
- The Uranium Education Program at the Shiprock campus, an empowerment program for Navajo concerning radiation and environmental health issues arising from the legacy of former uraniumUraniumUranium is a silvery-white metallic chemical element in the actinide series of the periodic table, with atomic number 92. It is assigned the chemical symbol U. A uranium atom has 92 protons and 92 electrons, of which 6 are valence electrons...
mining/milling operations and other serious environmental impacts on the Navajo reservation.
- The Institute for Integrated Rural Development (IIRD) was established in 1996 by the Diné College Board of Regents as part of their Strategic Plan for carrying out their responsibilities as a 1994 Land-Grant Institution. IIRD is charged with developing and administering education, research, economic, and community-based projects that promote and demonstrate sus sciences, rural community development, health and environment, government, economic development, and natural resource management.
Degree programs
- (AA) Associate of Art:
- Business Administration
- Computer Information Systems
- Diné Studies
- Early Childhood Education
- Elementary Education
- Fine Arts
- Liberal Arts
- Navajo Language
- Social & Behavioral Science
- Social Work (Shiprock Campus ONLY)
- (AS) Associate of Science:
- Computer Science
- Environmental Sciences
- Biology Option
- General Science Option
- Health Occupation Option
- Mathematics Option
- Physics Option
- Public Health
- Public Health Ed Socio-Cultural Option
- Public Health Envir Public Health Option
- (AAS) Associate of Applied Science:
- Business Management
- Computer Science
- Office Administration
Notable people
Professors- Irvin MorrisIrvin MorrisIrvin Morris is a Navajo Nation author and has taught at Cornell University, the State University of New York, the University of Arizona, and Dine College. He received his MFA at Cornell University. His work, From the Glittering World: A Navajo Story is a blend of Navajo creation narrative,...
, author, From the Glittering World: A Navajo Story (1997) - Anna Lee WaltersAnna Lee WaltersAnna Lee Walters is an award-winning Pawnee/Otoe-Missouria author from Oklahoma.-Career:Walters works at the Diné College in Arizona, where she directs the college press. She lives in Tsaile, Arizona with her husband Harry Walters...
, author, Ghost Singer (1988) - Orlando White, poet, "Bone Light" (2009)