# data[].attributes.body
Institution Name: Navajo Technical University (NTU)

Type of Institution: Tribal College/University (TCU)

Tagline: "Excellence in Tribal Higher Education"

Founded: 1979

Location: Crownpoint, New Mexico, with additional campuses in Arizona

Mission: To provide quality education and vocational training that incorporates Navajo culture and language, while preparing students for success in a global economy.

# data[].attributes.headline
Vision for the Future: NTU’s Strategic Plan for Growth and Success

# data[].attributes.subject
Vision for the Future: NTU’s Strategic Plan for Growth and Success

# data[].attributes.body
Vision: To be the premier Tribal University providing students with educational opportunities that integrate Diné philosophy of education and global competencies.

Key Goals:

Increase access to higher education for Navajo students through expanded online and remote learning options.

Strengthen STEM programs to meet growing demand for technological and engineering expertise.

Improve retention and graduation rates by enhancing student support services and faculty development.

Expand partnerships with industry to create internships and job opportunities for graduates.

Challenges:

Limited internet access in rural areas complicates the delivery of online education.

Addressing funding constraints while ensuring culturally relevant and modern programs.

Successes: Increased enrollment, introduction of graduate programs, and improved community engagement.

# data[].attributes.headline
A Campus Rooted in Tradition: Location, Size & Community

# data[].attributes.subject
A Campus Rooted in Tradition: Location, Size & Community

# data[].attributes.body
Location: Main campus in Crownpoint, NM; branch campuses in Chinle, AZ, and Teec Nos Pos, AZ.

Geographical Significance: Located within the Navajo Nation, NTU serves as a critical educational hub for the region’s tribal population.

Size: Approximately 1,800 students annually, across three campuses and online programs.

Demographics: Majority of students are Navajo, with a small percentage from other Native American tribes and non-Native backgrounds.

Campus Size: Crownpoint campus spans 251 acres.

# data[].attributes.headline
Mission Driven: Bridging Tradition and Innovation at NTU

# data[].attributes.subject
Mission Driven: Bridging Tradition and Innovation at NTU

# data[].attributes.body
Mission Statement: To provide post-secondary education rooted in Navajo culture, language, and traditions, and to support students in gaining the skills needed for economic self-reliance.

Educational Focus: NTU offers vocational training, associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in various fields including STEM, business, and Navajo language/cultural studies.

Who Does NTU Serve?: Primarily Navajo students, but also other Native American students and rural communities seeking culturally relevant education.

Support Services: Tutoring, financial aid assistance, career counseling, and cultural support services.

# data[].attributes.headline
What Sets NTU Apart? A Legacy of Cultural and Academic Excellence

# data[].attributes.subject
What Sets NTU Apart? A Legacy of Cultural and Academic Excellence

# data[].attributes.body
Cultural Integration: Navajo culture and language are incorporated into the curriculum, making NTU a unique institution dedicated to cultural preservation.

Hands-On Vocational Training: Programs such as Veterinary Technology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Culinary Arts directly address the local economic needs.

Community Impact: NTU plays a key role in economic development for the Navajo Nation, training graduates to fill roles in local industries such as energy, agriculture, and public health.

Accreditation: NTU is one of the first Tribal Colleges to offer graduate programs and is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).

# data[].attributes.headline
From Vocational Roots to University Heights: A Journey Through NTU’s History

# data[].attributes.subject
From Vocational Roots to University Heights: A Journey Through NTU’s History

# data[].attributes.body
1979: Founded as the Navajo Skills Center, focusing on vocational training.

1990s: Expanded to offer associate degrees and rebranded as Navajo Technical College.

2013: Achieved university status, becoming Navajo Technical University, reflecting its broadened academic offerings.

First Graduate Program: In 2014, NTU launched its first master’s degree program in Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership, showcasing its commitment to higher education rooted in Navajo traditions.

Growth: From vocational training to offering comprehensive academic programs, NTU continues to evolve to meet the needs of its community.

# data[].attributes.headline
Cultural Guardians: NTU’s Role as a Tribal College

# data[].attributes.subject
Cultural Guardians: NTU’s Role as a Tribal College

# data[].attributes.body
Preservation of Culture: NTU’s curriculum integrates Navajo culture, traditions, and language, ensuring students receive an education that reflects their heritage.

Economic Empowerment: NTU provides training and education directly linked to job creation within the Navajo Nation, addressing the community’s economic needs.

Land-Grant Institution: NTU’s land-grant status emphasizes its role in research, agriculture, and community extension, reflecting its commitment to the Navajo people.

Community-Centered Focus: NTU is not just an academic institution but a center for cultural, economic, and social development for the Navajo Nation.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Think Indian - Tribal Colleges "Changed My Life"

# data[].attributes.headline
NTU in Context: Aligning with Broader Themes in Higher Education

# data[].attributes.subject
NTU in Context: Aligning with Broader Themes in Higher Education

# data[].attributes.body
Cultural Relevance in Education: NTU exemplifies the importance of culturally relevant education as discussed in class, particularly in how it preserves and integrates Navajo traditions into its academic programs.

Institutional Survival: NTU’s strategic plan aligns with course themes on institutional survival, focusing on economic sustainability, local partnerships, and adapting to changing educational demands.

Serving Minority Populations: Like HBCUs and other minority-serving institutions discussed in class, NTU plays a crucial role in providing educational opportunities to an underserved population (Native Americans), addressing both cultural and economic needs.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.provider_name
Tribal College Journal of American Indian Higher Education

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Culturally responsive leadership acknowledges and integrates the cultural identities and perspectives of students and faculty into all aspects of education. In the context of tribal colleges and universities (TCUs), culturally responsive leadership requires creating an inclusive and empowering environment that respects and incorporates Indigenous traditions, languages, and worldviews. Culturally responsive leaders understand the unique challenges faced by Native students and leverage their cultural strengths to support those students' academic and personal success.

TCUs play a crucial role in providing higher education opportunities to Native communities while preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage. To effectively guide TCUs, leaders must utilize a forward-thinking and culturally responsive approach that honors Indigenous values, traditions, and knowledge systems. This type of visionary Indigenous leadership plays a significant role in fostering academic excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement.

These exceptional traits are obvious in Elmer Guy, a frontrunner in the field of education, renowned for his approach to culturally responsive leadership at Navajo Technical University (NTU). Born and raised on the Navajo reservation, Dr. Guy has always been deeply connected to his heritage and has recognized the immense value of integrating cultural perspectives into higher education. With his remarkable vision, he spearheaded the transformation of Crownpoint Institute of Technology to NTU, taking it from a college offering only associate's degrees to becoming the first TCU to offer a PhD program. This achievement not only marked a significant milestone for NTU, but also showcased Dr. Guy's dedication to empowering Native students and fostering academic excellence within Native communities.

Dr. Guy's commitment to Indigenous cultural responsiveness goes beyond the academic realm. He recognizes that supporting students' holistic development also requires addressing their cultural and social needs. Dr. Guy is an esteemed academic leader and the president of NTU. He is renowned for his remarkable work ethic, patience, and unwavering commitment to preserving the rich cultural heritage of the Navajo people. Growing up in a humble Navajo community, Dr. Guy's upbringing was deeply influenced by his grandparents, who were devoted sheep herders.

From an early age, Dr. Guy witnessed his grandparents' exceptional work ethic and resilience as they tended to their flock of sheep. He learned the value of hard work and perseverance and the importance of nurturing the land and animals that sustained their way of life. His grandparents instilled in him a deep respect for the land, the Diné language, and the Native traditions that shaped their identity.

Growing up in a household where Diné was spoken fluently, Dr. Guy developed a strong connection to his Navajo roots. He witnessed firsthand how his grandparents kept their culture close, emphasizing the significance of their traditions, ceremonies, and values. Their unwavering commitment to preserving their heritage left a lasting impression, inspiring Dr. Guy to honor and uplift Navajo culture throughout his academic and professional journey.

As the president of NTU, Elmer Guy has been a steadfast advocate for culturally responsive leadership. He firmly believes that education should honor and reflect the unique cultural traditions and heritage of Native communities, providing students with an inclusive and empowering environment. Dr. Guy has implemented policies and initiatives that celebrate Navajo culture, instilling a sense of pride and identity among NTU students, faculty, and staff. Like other forward-thinking leaders in TCUs, Dr. Guy has a deep understanding of the various cultural and educational needs of the multiple communities that he serves and works tirelessly to align NTU's mission with those needs.

It was Dr. Guy's distinctive leadership that led to his instrumental role in transitioning NTU from an institution offering solely associate's degrees to being the first TCU to offer a PhD program This groundbreaking achievement not only expanded educational opportunities for Native students, it also placed NTU at the forefront of academic excellence in Indian Country. NTU now offers 21 associate's degrees, 16 bachelor's degrees, two master's degrees, and one doctoral degree.

Dr. Guy was able to achieve this milestone because he recognized the need to enhance NTU's academic offerings to cater to the evolving needs of the Navajo Nation and surrounding communities. He diligently worked with the university's faculty, staff, and stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that would facilitate the growth and expansion of NTU's academic programs.

Under Dr. Guy's visionary leadership, NTU established a rigorous curriculum, developed partnerships with renowned institutions, and recruited highly qualified faculty members to guide the PhD program. What's more, Dr. Guy ensured that the curriculum included culturally relevant coursework, allowing students to explore and apply their knowledge within the context of Navajo culture and traditions. This approach was taken to bridge the gap between Western education and Native perspectives, providing a holistic and culturally responsive learning experience.

At NTU, Dr. Guy's leadership style is characterized by his ability to inspire and empower both students and faculty. He believes in creating a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and motivated to achieve their full potential. Under his leadership and thanks to his work ethic, NTU has experienced significant growth in enrollment, academic programs, and partnerships, further establishing the university as a prominent institution of higher education.

Indigenous leadership is rooted in the principles, values, and wisdom of Native cultures. Indigenous leaders like Dr. Guy bring a unique perspective shaped by their cultural heritage and lived experiences. They prioritize community engagement, fostering relationships with tribal governments, elders, and community members to ensure the institution's programs and initiatives are aligned with the needs and aspirations of the community. Within the academic curriculum, Dr. Guy promotes the inclusion of Indigenous knowledge systems, language sustainability efforts, cultural preservation, and student empowerment.

Dr. Guy understands the significance of community engagement and the role of partnerships in creating educational opportunities. He has actively forged collaborations with a myriad of local tribes, businesses, and local, state, and federal governmental organizations to expand resources, scholarship programs, and job placement opportunities for 100% of NTU's students. By establishing strong connections with external stakeholders, Dr. Guy has ensured that NTU remains deeply rooted in the community it serves, addressing the needs and aspirations of the Navajo Nation and beyond.

***

Culturally responsive leadership and Indigenous leadership are essential for the success of TCUs. By integrating cultural values, traditions, and knowledge systems into the fabric of these institutions, leaders create an inclusive and empowering environment for Native students. This nurtures academic excellence, cultural preservation, and community engagement, ensuring that the unique needs and aspirations of Indigenous communities are met. As we look to the future, the continued emphasis on visionary culturally responsive leadership by Indigenous leaders will pave the way for the advancement of tribal education and the empowerment of Native students. As TCUs continue to evolve and shape the future of tribal education, this is the type of leadership that must remain at the forefront to guide these institutions toward greater heights.

Dr. Guy's remarkable journey, shaped by the teachings of his grandparents, serves as a testament to the transformative power of education, cultural preservation, and a steadfast commitment to community. His unwavering dedication to his Navajo heritage has made him a beacon of inspiration and a role model for Navajo and Indigenous youth, who see in him a living embodiment of the values and traditions that define their identity.

Wafa Hozien, PhD, is a university academic affairs administrator who collaborates to facilitate the creation of innovative, accredited university programs throughout the United States.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
A Culturally Responsive Visionary: Elmer Guy of Navajo Technical University

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Under the leadership of the longtime president, NTU has metamorphosized from a modest skills center into one of the leading universities in the American Southwest.

# data[].attributes.headline
Did You Know? NTU’s Surprising Strengths and Contributions

# data[].attributes.subject
Did You Know? NTU’s Surprising Strengths and Contributions

# data[].attributes.body
STEM Programs: NTU has emerged as a leader in STEM education among Tribal Colleges, with programs in engineering, computer science, and advanced manufacturing designed to meet modern workforce needs.

Diné Studies: NTU’s focus on Navajo culture is exemplified by its Diné Studies programs, which offer courses on Navajo language, culture, and leadership, helping preserve the tribe’s cultural heritage.

Economic Impact: NTU’s graduates play a significant role in the Navajo Nation's workforce, particularly in fields such as healthcare, veterinary services, energy, and education, helping alleviate local unemployment.

Community Initiatives: NTU is involved in several community outreach programs, including agricultural extension services, health education, and cultural preservation efforts.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
NSF Award Search: Award # 1461546 - The Navajo Technical University Pathways to STEM Careers Project

# data[].attributes.headline
NTU: A Catalyst for Cultural and Educational Diversity in America

# data[].attributes.subject
NTU: A Catalyst for Cultural and Educational Diversity in America

# data[].attributes.body
A Model for Tribal Higher Education: NTU demonstrates the critical role Tribal Colleges play in preserving cultural heritage while equipping students with the skills necessary for success in today’s economy.

Balancing Tradition and Modernity: NTU successfully integrates Navajo traditions with modern academic programs, making it an exemplary institution within the broader framework of higher education in the U.S.

Impact on Diversity in Higher Education: NTU contributes to the diversity of American higher education by serving a unique population and addressing the specific needs of the Navajo Nation, showing how culturally responsive education can foster both personal and community development.