April 7, 2026
Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory Visit Navajo Technical University to Strengthen Academic and Workforce Partnerships
Crownpoint, NM — Navajo Technical University (NTU) hosted representatives from Sandia National Laboratories, led by newly appointed Director Laura McGill, along with representatives from Los Alamos National Laboratory, on April 7, 2026. The visit focused on strengthening institutional partnerships and identifying opportunities to expand collaboration in academic programming, research, and workforce development. The visit began with a formal gathering at NTU’s Hospitality Center.
Dr. Stan Atcitty opened the program with welcoming remarks, emphasizing NTU’s distinction as the only accredited tribal institution offering electrical engineering programs. He highlighted the university’s role in preparing students for technical careers and underscored the importance of continued collaboration to provide access to advanced technologies and industry-relevant experiences.
NTU Provost Dr. Colleen Bowman provided an overview of the university’s history, noting its origins in trade-based education in 1979 and its development into a comprehensive four-year institution. She reaffirmed NTU’s commitment to academic excellence and recognized the value of expanding partnerships with Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory, including interdisciplinary opportunities that support both STEM and business education.
NTU President Dr. Elmer Guy discussed the university’s broader network of strategic partnerships, emphasizing their role in creating pathways for student success and career readiness. He noted that these collaborations enhance student engagement while also supporting faculty in delivering instruction aligned with workforce demands.
Director Laura McGill expressed appreciation for the opportunity to visit NTU and emphasized the importance of collaboration with tribal institutions. She highlighted the strength of NTU’s academic programs and the potential for continued partnership in preparing students for high-demand technical fields that remain critical to the national workforce.
Following the presentations, participants engaged in guided campus tours. One group, led by Scott Halliday, focused on science and manufacturing programs, while a second group, led by Dr. Christine Reidhead, explored business-related programs. The tours included visits to instructional laboratories and featured presentations by students and faculty, providing insight into NTU’s applied learning environment and academic programs.
The visit concluded with remarks from Dr. Bowman, who expressed appreciation to both Sandia and Los Alamos representatives and reaffirmed NTU’s commitment to sustaining and expanding partnerships that support student achievement, academic excellence, and workforce development.
Clinton Desiderio,
Director of Communications
E: clintdesiderio@navajotech.edu