Dr. Janet Slowman Appointed to the Diné College Board of Regents
Tsaile, Ariz. Diné College has announced the appointment of Dr. Janet Slowman to its Board of Regents, bringing decades of leadership and expertise in education to the institution. A native of Teecnospos, Utah, near the Four Corners Monument, Dr. Slowman is a seasoned professional in K-12 education and higher education, with more than 30 years of experience serving children, parents, and communities.
Dr. Slowman is of the Áshįįhí (The Salt People), born for the Tł ‘ízí lání (Many Goats People), her maternal grandfather is of the Bitahnii (Folded Arms People), and her Maternal Grandfather is of the Hashk’aanhadzohí (Yucca Fruit-Strung Out in a Line people).
Dr. Slowman holds an Ed.D. in Policy Studies and Administration from Arizona State University, a Special Education degree from the University of New Mexico, and a Physical Education/Social Work degree from Utah State University. She also possesses multiple professional licensures from the state of New Mexico, including certifications as a school psychologist, counselor, administrator, and educational leader with a focus on special education.
Throughout her career, Dr. Slowman has taught at institutions such as Fort Lewis College, the University of New Mexico, and San Juan College, where she helped lay the foundation for the San Juan College West campus in Kirtland, New Mexico. She has worked tirelessly to strengthen educational programs and build bridges among communities to serve children and families better.
Dr. Slowman’s belief in the power of the Diné language and culture shapes her approach to education. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing people for who they are while employing native, community-based solutions. She has also traveled extensively to countries like South Africa, Kenya, and Canada, drawing from global perspectives to inform her work with local communities.
Her commitment to children with disabilities remains a central focus of her career. Dr. Slowman currently serves on the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) Advisory Council for Special Education, which collaborates with the U.S. Department of the Interior to improve services for children with disabilities and their families.
According to Dr. Slowman, “Empowering parents and communities is essential to ensuring the best outcomes for our children. This has been and will continue to be the guiding principle of my work.”
The Diné College community looks forward to the leadership, expertise, and cultural depth that Dr. Slowman will bring to the Board of Regents as she helps shape the future of education for Navajo students and communities.
