Diné College Shares Expertise and Builds Connections at American Indian College Fund Cultivating Native Student Success (CNSS) Conference
June 14, 2025
Okmulgee, OK – The Diné College Cultivating Native Student Success (CNSS) Strategic Enrollment Management (SEM) Planning Committee recently attended the CNSS Conference, held June 10-12, 2025, at the College of the Muscogee Nation in Okmulgee, OK. Focused on “Empowering Students, Building Nations,” the conference fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange among tribal colleges and universities, with Diné College playing a prominent role.
The event featured compelling presentations and workshops from higher education advocates. Keynote speakers Dr. Amanda Tachine and Dr. Jameson Lopez underscored the significance of mentoring Native students and the power of data-informed decision-making within Indigenous communities. Acting College President Glennita Haskey’s attendance highlighted Diné College’s proactive approach to improving enrollment and student success.
“This conference provided our team with an invaluable opportunity to both showcase our successful projects and learn from the experiences of other tribal colleges,” said Winifred Jumbo, Principal Investigator for the CNSS Grant. “We shared insights on student-centered initiatives and professional development and even demonstrated a component of our land-based knowledge with chííł chin, reflecting our cultural practice of food sharing. I’m incredibly proud of our team’s dedication.”
Diné College presented at seven distinct sessions, covering a wide range of topics from creating effective professional development series and best practices for dual credit, to mapping a student’s journey and fostering student ambassadorships. These presentations, along with the chííł chin (sumac berry) pudding demonstration, facilitated rich discussions and networking opportunities with peers from across the nation. Delphina Thomas, American Indian College Fund Program Officer, also provided crucial support and guidance to the SEMP Committee.
As a recipient of a yearly $250,000 CNSS Grant from the College Fund (active through 2028), Diné College’s SEMP Committee is energized to implement new initiatives and further refine existing projects, ensuring continued growth and success for the college and its students.
