Office of the President

Ferlin Clark, Ed.M., President of Diné College

Office of President

Yá’át’ééh
I want to let you know that the state of Diné College is good! We continue to make progress in meeting our mission. Our shared vision is to offer bachelor degrees by 2009 and as such we are refining our strategic goals to accomplish this endeavor. An important guide to our journey is our philosophy of Sa’ąh Naagháį Bik’eh Hózhóón (SNBH). We have many accomplishments that we can build on, and we have challenges to address, yet what is important to achieving our goals is a positive attitude, professionalism, and dedication which is evident in our students, staff, and faculty.

Diné College is a special place! Unlike any college or university the United States, we incorporate Diné language, culture, history, philosophy, and government courses into our core curriculum along with western disciplines. We are accredited by the Higher Learning commission (HLC) and we maintain membership with the North Central Association of colleges and Schools.

A significant goal of Navajo Community College, now Diné College, has been the establishment of a stable and sufficient stream of funds form the Navajo Nation. Two years ago the 20th Navajo Nation Council and President Joe Shirley, Jr., approved a 20-year funding mechanism that provides Diné College $4.2 million per year as a base funding amount. This stable funding has been important in the development of our shared vision and strategic goals, and most certainly demonstrates the Navajo Nation’s commitment to its college. We appreciate the leadership of our Navajo Leaders! President Ferlin Clark

An important element that the College was entrusted to develop as part of the Navajo Nation’s commitment to the College, in addition to being accountable and responsive, is the creation of the Diné Policy Institute - the Navajo “think-tank.” We have secured outside finding, in addition to the Navajo Nation funds, to establish this important institute which will research, analyze, and recommend on a variety of policies, including health, education, economics, government, community development, environment, resources, and others that are important to the well-being of the Navajo Nation. We are staffing this office and will share information in the near future.

A significant cultural and spiritual renewal was achieved last October. A number of repatriation activities marked by ceremonies took place all last year which culminated in a Protection Way ceremony, followed by a Blessing Way ceremony. These important ceremonies were conducted in a new Hogan built by our staff and students. We renewed and rekindled the ceremonial fire, the gish, the tádídíín, k’eet’áán yáłti’í, béésist’ogii, our goals, strategic plans, shared vision and our commitment to Diné College. Our overarching goal for the next four years is entitled, Campaign Hozho!

Campaign Hozho is a campaign to help the Navajo Nation! Through education, Diné College will prepare educational warriors to fight the social, cultural, educational, economical, health, environment, and political obstacles and ailments affecting our Navajo communities. The shield of Diné culture, language, history, philosophy, and governance; and the weapons of Western language(s), science, technology, business, and humanities will prepare Diné College Warriors for the future health and prosperity of the Navajo Nation!

We want to share a few of our accomplishments and also provide a status report on Diné College. Let me assure you that the state of Diné College is good and the future looks promising. Thank you for your support of Diné College! Ahe’hee!

News & Updates

     • DINÉ ENVIRONMENTAL INSTITUTE - President Seeks $15 Million for Diné Environment Institute.
     • RE-AUTHORIZATION OF HIGHER EDUCATION ACT - $50 Million Request to Address College's Unmet Operational Needs.
     • 2P MANUAL - Board of Regents Approves New Personnel Policies and Procedures.
     • TSAILE CONSTRUCTION - Construction of Network Operating Center Advances.