American Indian College Fund Visits Diné College Shiprock Campus to Advance Native Student Success
April 26, 2025
SHIPROCK, N.M. – Diné College’s Shiprock Branch Campus hosted representatives from the American Indian College Fund for a two-day visit on Thursday, April 24, and Friday, April 25, 2025.
The visit, led by Delphina Thomas, American Indian College Fund Program Officer, focused on building momentum for the Cultivating Native Student Success (CNSS) Grant initiative.
The event included meetings with Diné College’s Strategic Enrollment Management Planning (SEMP) Committee to enhance efforts to advance student success and increase enrollment.
The collaboration centered on key areas, such as mapping the student experience and discussing strategic budget planning under the CNSS Grant.
The SEMP Committee, representing diverse departments, including the Office of External Campuses, the Office of Institutional Planning and Reporting, Student Affairs, and Academics, reviewed goals, analyzed data, and explored future grant opportunities to ensure sustained progress.
“This visit allowed us to reflect on our progress, share ideas, and strengthen our team,” said Winifred Jumbo, Principal Investigator and Director of the Office of External Campuses. “We’re thrilled to move forward with initiatives under the CNSS Grant and look forward to creating a streamlined Strategic Enrollment Management Plan focused on advising, registration, and a student-centered course schedule.”
Velveena Davis, from the Office of Institutional Planning and Reporting, highlighted the importance of integrating data-driven strategies to support enrollment and academic planning efforts.
The gathering also provided an opportunity for team building. Participants shared a meal featuring locally produced steamed corn, venison, and fresh fruit, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.
These discussions and shared experiences set the stage for preparations leading up to the annual convening at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, Oklahoma.
Diné College plans to continue hosting yearly visits to facilitate progress under the CNSS Grant and maintain the momentum of efforts to create meaningful impacts for Native students.
