Navajo Technical University facts for kids
 |
|
| Type | Public tribal land-grant university |
|---|---|
| Established | 1979 |
| President | Dr. Elmer Guy |
| Dean | Dr. Casmir Agbaraji |
| Students | 1777 |
| Location |
,
,
United States
|
| Campus | Urban/suburban reserve |
| Mascot | Skyhawk |
| Website | www.navajotech.edu |
Navajo Technical University (NTU) is a special kind of college called a public tribal land-grant university. It is located in Crownpoint, New Mexico, and also has campuses in Chinle, Arizona and Teec Nos Pos, Arizona. NTU is the biggest tribal college in the United States.
A tribal college is a school created by a Native American tribe to help its people get a good education. NTU also has a special status as a "land-grant university" since 1994. This means it gets support from the government to teach things like agriculture and engineering. Since 2005, NTU has been approved by the Higher Learning Commission, which means its programs meet high standards. It is also home to the very first approved program for training animal care assistants (veterinary technicians) on a Native American reservation.
History of NTU
Navajo Technical University was started by the Navajo Nation in 1979. It was first called the Navajo Skill Center. Its main goal was to help people in the Navajo community learn skills for jobs.
Over the years, the school grew and changed its name a few times:
- In 1985, it became the Crownpoint Institute of Technology.
- In 1994, it was named a "land-grant college." This happened along with 31 other tribal colleges. This special title helps these schools get funding to teach important subjects.
- In 2006, the Navajo Nation Council (the government of the Navajo Nation) decided to change its name to Navajo Technical College.
- Finally, in 2013, the school became Navajo Technical University, which is its name today.
What Services Does NTU Offer?
NTU provides many helpful services for its students and teachers. These services make it easier for everyone to learn and succeed:
- Student and teacher housing (only at the Crownpoint campus).
- A childcare center for students who are parents.
- Access to modern computer technology.
- A full library with books and resources.
Academic Programs at NTU
NTU offers many different types of programs for students. You can earn various degrees and certificates here:
- Certificates: These are short programs that teach specific job skills.
- Associate Degrees: These usually take two years to complete.
- Bachelor's Degrees: These are four-year college degrees.
- Master of Arts Degree: NTU offers a master's degree in Diné Studies. This program focuses on the Navajo language and culture.
- Doctoral Program: In 2023, NTU started offering a doctoral program in Diné language and culture. This is the highest degree you can earn.
As of 2011, NTU was one of only seven tribal colleges in the U.S. that offered a degree in tribal administration. This program helps students learn how to manage and lead tribal governments and organizations.
NTU's Partnerships
Navajo Technical University is part of a group called the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC). This group includes many colleges and universities that serve Native American communities.
NTU was created to help meet the education needs of American Indians. It often serves people who live in areas far from other colleges. This means NTU gives them a chance to continue their education after high school.
