Russell Begaye facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Russell Begaye
8th President of the Navajo Nation
In office May 12, 2015 – January 15, 2019
Vice President	Jonathan Nez
Preceded by	Ben Shelly
Succeeded by	Jonathan Nez
Member of the Navajo Nation Council
In office January 11, 2011 – January 13, 2015
President	Ben Shelly
Vice President	Rex Lee Jim
Preceded by	Leonard Anthony Pete Atcitty
Succeeded by	Tom Chee
Personal details
Born	May 4 Shiprock, New Mexico, U.S.
Political party	Democratic
Education	University of California, Los Angeles (BA)

Russell Begaye is a Navajo politician. He was the 8th President of the Navajo Nation. He served from May 2015 to January 2019. He was the second person from New Mexico to become Navajo Nation President.

Early Life and Education

Russell Begaye was born in Shiprock, New Mexico. He went to the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). In 1974, he earned a degree in political science. This field of study is about how governments work.

Later, in 1977, Begaye received another degree. He earned a Master of Divinity from the Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. This school is in Fort Worth, Texas.

Political Career

Before becoming president, Russell Begaye worked for the North American Mission Board. He did this from 1977 to 2011.

Then, he joined the Navajo Nation Council. This council makes laws for the Navajo Nation. He served on the council from 2011 until 2015.

On April 4, 2015, Russell Begaye was elected President of the Navajo Nation. He officially started his term on May 12, 2015. He served as president until January 8, 2019. His Vice President, Jonathan Nez, then became the next president.

Russell Begaye later ran for the Navajo Nation Council again. He sought to represent Shiprock in the 2022 election. However, he did not win this election.

Personal Life

Russell Begaye was married to Kyoon Chung Begaye. She is a dentist. Russell Begaye does not speak the Navajo language as his first language.