In first, US tribal university to offer PhD degree

Robert Besser
29 Mar 2023, 12:34 GMT+10

Navajo Technical University has become the first among more than 30 accredited tribal colleges and universities in the country to offer a doctoral program
The program will focus on sustaining the culture and language of Dine, the Navajo word meaning "the people"
The school has begun accepting applications for the program's fall semester, and a celebration is planned on the Crownpoint campus in western New Mexico in April

CROWNPOINT, New Mexico: Navajo Technical University, located on the largest Native American reservation in the US, has become the first among more than 30 accredited tribal colleges and universities in the country to offer a doctoral program.

The program will focus on sustaining the culture and language of Dine, the Navajo word meaning "the people."

The school has begun accepting applications for the program's fall semester, and a celebration is planned on the Crownpoint campus in western New Mexico in April.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Navajo Tech President Elmer Guy said, "The offering marks a milestone for the university, which already has more than 30 degree and certificate programs spanning science, technology, engineering, business and liberal arts."

The Ph.D. in Dine Culture and Language Sustainability will have a profound impact on the future of the tribe's language and culture, Guy stressed.

"Individuals will get a degree and they will be professionals. You have to make it applicable. By making it more meaningful, people will have an interest in it," Guy said.

Wafa Hozien, an administrator who helped with the program's creation, said that, so far, 20 students have applied and will be vying for five spots in the inaugural class.

"Navajo Tech's program represents a paradigm shift in that learning through a Dine lens, with culture and language, creates leaders who can advocate for their people in the judicial system, education, land management, business, technology and health care," he added.

Watch latest videos

News RELEASES

Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Australian Herald.

More Information

17 ℃

Mostly Cloudy in Sydney

International

Section

Mummified nun draws hundreds of visitors to rural Missouri town

GOWER, Missouri: Hundreds of people flocked to the small town of Gower, Missouri, to see a mummified nun, Sister Wilhelmina ...

Japan: PM's son resigns for holding party at official residence

TOKYO, Japan: After coming under public criticism for using Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's residence for a private party, his ...

Remains identified of US pilot from Pennsylvania killed during WWII

WASHINGTON D.C.: The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has announced that 2nd Lt. James Litherland of South Williamsport, Pennsylvania, an Army ...

ACC sues Dr. Yunus, 12 others over embezzlement of $2,351,758

DHAKA, Bangladesh - The Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) has filed a case against 13 members of Grameen Telecom's board of directors, ...

Washington coordinates 14-country supply chain agreement

WASHINGTON D.C.: The U.S. Commerce Department has said that trade ministers from 14 countries have taken part in the US-led ...

Injuries at Churchill Downs sees 12 horses dead in month

LOUISVILLE, Kentucky: Two horses that succumbed to their injuries at Churchill Downs have become the 11th and 12th fatalities over ...

Sydney

Section