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Dine College

Tsaile, AZ

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About Dine College

Pioneering Native American education, Diné College empowers the Diné people culturally and academically.

Diné College holds a distinguished place in American education as the first college ever established by Native Americans for Native Americans. Founded in 1968 as Navajo Community College and chartered by the Navajo Nation, its primary mission has always been to uplift the Diné people through an education deeply rooted in their culture and traditions. From its unique campus in Tsaile, where buildings echo the octagonal shape of traditional Navajo hogans, the college seamlessly integrates cultural heritage into its learning environment.

Academically, Diné College has expanded significantly, gaining prestigious land-grant college status in 1994, which further solidified its commitment to research and community service. The institution now proudly offers bachelor's degrees, including the vital Diné Teacher Education Program and a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts with specializations in traditional crafts like silversmithing and weaving. Its highly popular Navajo Language and Culture Curriculum is a testament to its dedication to preserving and promoting the Diné language and way of life, making it a vibrant hub for cultural immersion.

For prospective students and their families, Diné College represents more than just a place to earn a degree; it offers a profound connection to a rich cultural legacy and a supportive educational community. This pioneering spirit extends beyond academics, as demonstrated in 2011 when its women's archery team made history by winning a United States college national championship—a remarkable first for a tribal college in any top-tier intercollegiate sport. Diné College embodies a unique blend of academic excellence, cultural preservation, and inspiring achievement.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 1968 as the first college by Native Americans for Native Americans.
  • Chartered by the Navajo Nation with a focus on empowering the Diné people.
  • Designated a land-grant college in 1994, enhancing research and community engagement.
  • Offers Bachelor's degrees, including the Diné Teacher Education Program and a BA in Fine Arts with unique options like silversmithing and weaving.
  • Home to a widely popular Navajo Language and Culture Curriculum, promoting cultural preservation.
  • Women's archery team won a U.S. college national championship in 2011, a historic first for a tribal college team.
  • Tsaile campus features distinctive octagonal buildings inspired by traditional Navajo hogans.

Timeline

1968
Opened as Navajo Community College, the first college established by Native Americans for Native Americans.
1968
Board of Regents officially chose the Tsaile–Wheatfields area for the permanent campus.
1973
Students began taking classes at the permanent campus in Tsaile.
1974
The permanent Tsaile campus was officially dedicated.
1994
Designated a land-grant college alongside 31 other tribal colleges.
1997
Name changed from Navajo Community College to Diné College.
1998
Bestowed its first bachelor's degrees under the Diné Teacher Education Program.
2011
Women's archery team won the United States college national championship.
2019
Approved for four-year institution status by the Higher Learning Commission, adding new BA Fine Arts options.

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