The campus and community of Diné College held a ceremony April 16 to mark the inauguration of Deborah Jackson-Dennison as the college’s 19th president.
The event celebrated her lifelong commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination and Diné College’s philosophy of learning, Sa’ah Naagháíí Bik’eh Hózhóón.
Founded in 1968, Diné College grounds its educational approach in the principles of the traditional living system that places human life in harmony with the natural world.
As the first tribally controlled college in the United States, Diné College continues to center its mission on students, a focus Jackson-Dennison emphasized in outlining a vision rooted in traditional values and academic excellence.
“Students must remain the center of every decision we make, every program we design, every partnership we develop, every policy we implement,” Jackson-Dennison said. “Our responsibility is to ensure students are supported intellectually, culturally, spiritually and personally.”
Reflecting on the founders who established the institution, Jackson-Dennison spoke about the continuous nature of educational leadership and community responsibility.
“Sometimes we are called to plant the seeds, and then sometimes we are called to water the seeds,” she said. “Then sometimes we are called to protect the seeds, and sometimes we are called to ensure they continue to grow.”
The inauguration featured addresses from several educational and tribal leaders, who highlighted the role of the institution in shaping the future of the Navajo Nation.
“It was a story of a learning journey that began because of the wisdom of your leaders, who made an investment in young educators with potential that had yet to be realized,” said Maggie Mangini, former academic adviser of the Navajo Fellow at Arizona State University.
The Honorable Carl Slater of the 25th Navajo Nation Council also spoke of the connection between the institution and the Diné people.
Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren recognized the importance of the day, noting the enduring strength and vision of Diné College for generations to come.
“Diné College is going to water the roots of who we are as the nation,” said Diné College Board of Regents chair Janet Slowman. “Our college is more than a place of learning – it is a nurturing ground for our traditions, our values and our future leaders. We are here to protect and strengthen the spirit of our people.”
Jacob Moore, Arizona State University vice president and special adviser on American Indian Affairs, emphasized the broader implications of Indigenous-led higher education.
“Education can set the foundation for advancing and sustaining Tribal sovereignty and self-governance well into the future,” Moore said.