Crownpoint, NM - Navajo Technical University (NTU) was granted approval by the Institutional Actions Council (IAC) of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) to open an additional campus site in Zuni, NM. Officials propose operations of Navajo Technical University-Pueblo of Zuni to begin in the 2019 Spring semester and will offer courses in counseling, construction technology and early childhood education. Registration is now open for students and instruction is set to begin on January 22nd at each of NTU’s five locations.
“This is a unique partnership and we want to thank the Pueblo of Zuni and their leadership for the hospitality and collaboration to bring NTU to their community,” explained President Dr. Elmer J. Guy in a discussion about the partnership. “As we graduate more students from our homelands, we envision them creating pathways to resources and opportunities to improve all areas of tribal communities. This partnership with the Pueblo of Zuni creates a learning space with numerous benefits gained by both entities.”
With a location at Pueblo of Zuni, NTU continues to demonstrate a commitment to the Tribal College movement that began in 1968. The additional site presents the likelihood for the Pueblo of Zuni to eventually adopt the campus as their own tribally controlled educational institution and eventually join the 37 tribal college and universities recognized by the American Indian Higher Education Consortium. Prior to the established partnership, the location was occupied by the University of New Mexico and operated as the A’shiwi College and Career Readiness Center.
“The campus site will give nearby community members access to quality higher education that is very inexpensive,” explained Dean of Instruction Dr. Casmir Abaraji, who indicated the new campus site will provide additional courses in the future. “As the campus site develops, new courses and perhaps specific programs will become available. These are the long term goals we are collaborating on with the leaders of the Zuni governance.”
The extension of NTU’s services to the Pueblo of Zuni also opens up higher education opportunities to rural communities in the southern portion of the Navajo Nation’s Eastern Agency. The communities of Ramah, Vanderwagon, Manuelito, Breadsprings, RedRock, and Chichiltah are expected to have representation at the site’s grand opening at the end of the month.
Earlier in the year, the university also partnered with Bond Wilson Technical Center in Kirtland, NM to open an Early College Academy for dual credit students. The site will open to the general public in January with courses in general education, baking, cooking and culinary arts, construction technology/carpentry, early childhood multicultural education, industrial maintenance and operations, Diné studies, and welding.
To learn more about Navajo Technical University and its degree programs, cost, and fees, call (505) 786-4100.