March 4, 2016

 

Diné College Signs MOU with Northern Arizona University

 

TSAILE, AZ- Diné College and Northern Arizona University (NAU) finalized a monumental partnership agreement on Monday, February 29 that allows the two institutions to maximize their educational resources and expertise to increase educational opportunities within the Navajo Nation.

NAU President Rita Cheng and Diné College President Martin Ahumada signed the memorandum of understanding on Monday in Flagstaff. The agreement outlines academic programming, faculty collaboration, and student success initiatives.

NAU President Rita Cheng, Diné College President Martin Ahumada. Back row: Theresa Hatatulie, Diné Board of Regents, Aaron Lee, student representative, Diné Board of Regents, NAU’s Chad Hamill and Greg Bigman, Diné College Board of Regents.

 

Diné College President Martin Ahumada notes that the mission of both institutions strongly align, “The strengths of NAU match very well with what we [Diné College] need the most.”

The agreement will facilitate the transfer of Diné College students to NAU in order to continue their education. With the agreement the two institutions aim to increase the number of Native American students earning baccalaureate and master degrees.

“We have a historical commitment to our Native American communities. We need to look for every avenue possible to reach more students to encourage transfer into our programs and master and Ph.D. programs,” said NAU President Rita Cheng of the purpose of the agreement.

Members of the Diné College Board of Regents and key members of the Diné College Administrative Team were in attendance at the signing.  The Board of Regents approved the memorandum of understanding on January 15.

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