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CROWNPOINT, NM, March 6, 2023 - Navajo Technical University (NTU) presents the addition of its Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability to its graduate program. The accomplishment at the University marks a historic occurrence as the first accredited Ph.D. program of its kind at a Tribal College or University. The inaugural doctoral program is designed to produce scholars who can conduct research, teach, and lead in efforts to retain the culture, language, and leadership of the Navajo. The program will immediately accept applicants for its first cohort set to start in Fall 2023.
“The establishment of the doctorate program in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability is a monumental achievement for Navajo Technical University, the Navajo Nation, and Tribal Colleges and Universities throughout the country,” said NTU President Elmer J. Guy, as he confirmed the success and efforts to attain the endorsement. “It reflects NTU’s dedication and commitment to reaching new levels of providing the best education for our people and scholars who want to attain prominent degrees near home and at our institution.”
The development of the program is a significant milestone in regards to preserving a diminishing language and culture that has been at the focal point of many educators and administrators on the Navajo nation over the years. The program’s curriculum will focus on the language, culture, and history of the Diné people that will incorporate contemporary issues and challenges facing Indigenous communities.
The program proposes to train its scholars to become acquainted with best practices that will promote and preserve Diné culture and language to all consultations. Through its accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, all graduates of the program meet all standards and rigor required. The program will succeed a master’s degree program in Diné Studies language and leadership that currently has a steady cohort of students.
“Since the inception of the Master’s degree in Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership in 2013, our intuition has been reaching new heights in all areas, especially in our technology and vocational programs” said Dr. Guy, as he discussed the various accolades received by the programs. “At NTU we are prepared to meet the technological demands with the needs of culture and language sustainability, the Ph.D. program demonstrates our sincerity to advance those prerequisites.
The accreditation process for NTU doctoral faculty to obtain the Ph.D status to offer the highest degree was a longstanding goal that began five years ago. Its architecture ensures the program meets the highest academic standards recognized by other universities and academic institutions through the Higher Learning Commission’s accreditation. Complementary to the program’s arrangement are the consultation with NTU colleagues, Diné elders, indigenous scholars, community members and experts elsewhere in North America.
University officials have scheduled a celebration for the brand-new Ph.D. program which will take place on Monday, April 24, 2023 at Navajo Technical University main campus. The occasion will feature speeches from prominent members of the Navajo Nation and academia, as well as a traditional Navajo meal and cultural performances.
The Ph.D. program is open to students who currently have a master’s degree. The application deadline is May 1, 2023. For more information about the university’s latest Ph.D. program and other graduate programs offered at NTU please visit navajotech.edu.
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Contact:
Dale Morgan - Communication Specialist
dmorgan@navajotech.edu
Navajo Technical University Announces First Accredited PhD Program at a Tribal College or University
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Crownpoint, NM - Navajo Technical University (NTU) is proud to announce the launch of its first accredited PhD program, Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability. This program is the first of its kind at a Tribal College or University and is designed to promote cultural sustainability and language revitalization among the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples.
The program will provide doctoral-level training in the theory, practice, and research of Diné culture and language sustainability. It will integrate traditional Diné knowledge and western research methodologies to develop culturally-responsive practices that promote the vitality and resilience of Diné language and culture.
"This is an exciting milestone for Navajo Technical University and the Navajo Nation," said Elmer Guy, president of Navajo Technical University. "We are proud to be the first Tribal College or University to offer a PhD program, and we believe that this program will have a profound impact on the future of Diné language and culture. It is a testament to the strength and resilience of our people and our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come."
The program will be delivered in collaboration with other academic institutions and community partners, and will be tailored to meet the unique needs and challenges of Diné communities. It will offer research and experiential learning opportunities, such as community-based participatory research and internships, to ensure that students gain practical experience and apply their knowledge to real-world issues.
The Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability program aligns with the university’s mission to promote self-determination and empower students to become leaders in their communities. It also supports the Navajo Nation’s efforts to revitalize its language and culture, which is critical for maintaining the Navajo way of life and preserving Indigenous knowledge systems.
"We believe that this program will have a profound impact on the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples across the world," said Dr. Elmer Guy, President of Navajo Technical University. "It will provide a platform for Indigenous scholars to lead the conversation on cultural sustainability and language revitalization, and we hope that it will inspire other institutions to follow in our footsteps."
The program will be accepting applications for the Fall 2023 semester, and will be open to students from across the United States and internationally. For more information on the Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability program, visit the NTU website at www.navajotech.edu.
About Navajo Technical University:
Navajo Technical University is a public university located in Crownpoint, New Mexico, on the Navajo Nation. Founded in 1979, NTU is committed to providing a quality education that promotes self-determination, cultural preservation, and community empowerment. NTU offers over 30 degree and certificate programs in areas such as science, technology, engineering, math, business, and the liberal arts.
Key Program Details:
Program Name: Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability
Program Duration: 4-5 years
Program Type: Residential, Full-time
Program Delivery: Blended, Online, and On-campus
Program Credits: 66 credit hours
Program Professors: Dr. Franklin Sage, Ph.D. f.sage@navajotech.edu and Siri Tuttle, Ph.D. s.tuttle@navajotech.edu
Program Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Program Start Date: Fall 2023
Why this Program is important:
The Doctor of Philosophy in Diné Culture and Language Sustainability program is designed to address the critical need for cultural sustainability and language revitalization among the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples. The program’s unique blend of traditional Diné knowledge and western research methodologies will empower students to develop culturally-responsive practices that promote the vitality and resilience of Diné language and culture. By providing doctoral-level training in the theory, practice, and research of Diné culture and language sustainability, the program will equip students with the skills and knowledge to become leaders in their communities and inspire positive change on a global scale.
Impact on the Navajo Nation and Indigenous Peoples:
The launch of this program at Navajo Technical University has significant implications for the Navajo Nation and Indigenous peoples around the world. The program is the first of its kind at a Tribal College or University and represents a major step forward in promoting cultural sustainability and language revitalization among Indigenous communities. The program aligns with the Navajo Nation’s efforts to revitalize its language and culture, which is critical for maintaining the Navajo way of life and preserving Indigenous knowledge systems. It also supports the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which recognizes the rights of Indigenous peoples to maintain and strengthen their distinct cultural practices and traditions.
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