FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Crownpoint, NM – July 9, 2025 – Navajo Technical University (NTU) and the University of New Mexico (UNM) have taken a big step forward in nursing education. Leaders from NTU’s Nursing Program and UNM’s College of Nursing met at NTU’s Student Union Building to discuss a new partnership.
Dr. Michelle Kahn John shared an overview of NTU’s Registered Nursing (RN) Program and introduced NTU’s nursing team. Both schools talked about program challenges, strengths, and goals. They also covered topics like the impact of rural locations, limited resources, and the structure of the RN curriculum.
The meeting led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which outlines the goals of the one-year collaboration between NTU and UNM. As part of the visit, guests toured NTU’s nursing facilities, including new modular buildings and renovated spaces designed for nursing students. These buildings now offer updated classrooms and areas for faculty, staff, and administrators. UNM will begin working closely with NTU’s incoming nursing faculty next semester.
“We’ve been working with UNM on our RN program. Their experienced faculty will help guide and support us. This collaboration is grounded in the Diné philosophy, and NTU will also offer cross-cultural training,” said Dr. Kahn John. “UNM faculty and staff will be able to take Diné language classes, helping both schools learn from each other.”
The MoU focuses on sharing faculty, curriculum, resources, and technology. It also lays out plans for faculty training, leadership growth, and exchanging knowledge over time.
Next steps include legal reviews and final approval by both universities. Dr. Kahn John’s long-term goal is to build a clear academic path from NTU’s associate degree program to doctoral programs at UNM.
For more information, contact:
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu