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Crownpoint, NM - On November 29, Navajo Technical University held its groundbreaking ceremony for the new state-of-the-art academic complex to be constructed on its main campus in Crownpoint, NM. The 27,489 square feet building will have 13 classrooms, two large vocational classrooms, and 14 faculty offices, the building is estimated to be completed in December 2023. At the event, NTU President Elmer J. Guy extended his gratitude to everyone and discussed the benefits of the building for the students and faculty.
“We are very excited to begin construction of the new academic building at our main campus. The building will serve as the center of teaching and learning for our NTU students and faculty which will foster advancements that are critical to NTU program development.” said NTU President Elmer J. Guy, “The new academic building will be LEED-certified demonstrating our commitment to do our part to protect the environment. We look forward to continued growth and support for our university."
The event gathered university officials and Navajo Nation officials including President Jonathan Nez who expressed his appreciation for NTU and its role in supporting students to become professionals. He discussed the importance of nation building and how students are important to its concept as higher education on the Navajo nation continue to expand at all levels.
“We are nation building, It is time now to bring our Navajo professionals home to build our nation and to take it to another level and this is where the seed is planted for the future generation of our Navajo people. To be able to utilize our way of life teaching, our culture, our history, and our language to empower our citizens to reach their full potential.” said Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez.
The construction of the new building comes as the university begins to prepare for its mid-cycle review by the Higher Learning Commission in February 2022. Evaluation is based on five criterions for accreditation with one requiring the university to provide adequate learning spaces for students. The university’s engineering program is accredited by ABET which also have outlined sufficient learning environments for students as their conditions for their endorsements.
“We are meeting all the standards set by all our regional and national accrediting institutions to keep our students current with the changing landscape of technology in the industry and most importantly higher education,” said Dean of Academic, Dr. Casmir Agbariji as he discussed the advantages the new academic building for the students and faculty. “The academic building will only develop our students to become more prepared as professionals.”
The building is a LEED or Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Silver certified, designed by Merge Architectural Group, based in Phoenix Arizona. The architect, Mr. Carlos Murrieta has worked with Navajo Technical University on various building projects in the past. The new academic building will be his third Building for NTU. The builder selected for the project is Mick Rich Contractors based in Albuquerque NM. The two funding sources for this project are from New Mexico Higher Education Department (NMHED) capital outlay and Navajo Technical University.