Crownpoint, NM – On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, Navajo Technical University (NTU) welcomed a delegation from the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) and the Navajo Nation Washington Office (NNWO). The visit aimed to promote discussions between faculty researchers and the delegation regarding federal research funding opportunities.
Dr. Elmer Guy, President of NTU, greeted the GAO representatives: Candice Wright, Director; Britney Tsao, Analyst-in-Charge; Megan Sussman, Analyst; and DeWayne Crank, Deputy Director from the NNWO. The GAO is an independent, nonpartisan agency that provides objective, fact-based information to assist Congress and federal agencies improve government efficiency.
During the visit, Ms. Leah Brown presented the university’s institutional data alongside Micheryl Miller, who manages Federal Grants and Contracts. They provided an overview of data-sharing practices within NTU. Following this presentation, guests moved to the Student Union Building for a faculty panel discussion featuring Dr. Soundappan, Dr. Irene Ane-Anyangwe, Dr. Peter Romine, Dr. Roy Chowdhury, and Mr. Scott Halliday. They shared insights about their research and projects during interviews with the GAO representatives.
The visit also included a walking tour of the NTU campus, led by Ms. Mallorie McKerry, the Student Services Grant Manager. Guests explored the new Academic Building, the Science Building, and the Trades Building, culminating in a visit to the Center for Advanced Manufacturing. The tour concluded with a discussion involving Dr. Guy in the Empowerment Building. Additionally, a luncheon featured a presentation by Environmental Science student Randy Largo on “Grant Funding and My Academic Experience.”
The GAO is reviewing how federal agencies conduct outreach to enhance the participation and competitiveness of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) in federally funded research programs and initiatives.
“We look forward to gaining their perspective on this topic as a TCU. We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to share the university’s work and demonstrate the impact of federal grant funding on the academic experiences of NTU students,” said Dr. Colleen Bowman, NTU Provost.
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For more information, contact:
Dr. Colleen Bowman
NTU Provost
E: cbowman@navajotech.edu
P: 505.387.7401
Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language while educating people for the future.
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu
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