Building Pathways to Success for NTU Students

CROWNPOINT, NM — On February 3, 2026, Navajo Technical University (NTU) welcomed representatives from the American Indian College Fund for an on-campus visit focused on advancing student success and strengthening support systems across the university. Veronica Hersh and Delphina Thomas, Program Officers for TCU Capacity Building and the Cultivating Initiative for Student Success, met with NTU faculty and staff to learn more about the coordinated efforts underway to support students throughout their educational journey.

The visit highlighted how grant support from the American Indian College Fund continues to strengthen programs, services, and resources that help NTU students succeed—from enrollment through graduation and beyond. Discussions emphasized the importance of intentional, student-centered approaches that address academic, personal, and professional development needs.

A key focus of the conversation was the Native Student Journey, recognizing that student success begins long before a student enters the classroom. That journey often starts at home and within the community through outreach, recruitment, and dual credit opportunities. As students transition to NTU, they navigate essential steps such as applying for admission, participating in campus tours, meeting with advisors, registering for classes, securing housing, accessing bookstore services, and connecting with IT support. These efforts are designed to ensure students feel prepared, supported, and connected as they move toward the ultimate milestones of classroom success, degree completion, and career readiness.

NTU staff also shared enrollment and student success data collected over recent years, including enrollment trends, headcount and full-time equivalency comparisons, student numbers by degree level, instructional site enrollment, and student status classifications. This data helps demonstrate how students are progressing, persisting, and completing their academic goals, while also ensuring that College Fund support continues to have a meaningful and measurable impact.

For the community, this partnership represents continued growth and opportunity. NTU is strengthening student services, improving institutional support systems, and creating clearer pathways from enrollment to graduation and workforce success. By sharing student stories, celebrating achievements, and maintaining transparency with the community, NTU builds trust, pride, and awareness around the transformative power of higher education.

Together, Navajo Technical University and the American Indian College Fund are helping build a strong future for the Navajo Nation—one where education, culture, and community come together to uplift students and empower generations to come.