DINÉ COLLEGE ALUMNI HIGHLIGHT
Adrian Tsosie – Empowering Native Communities Through Education and Advocacy
Adrian Tsosie’s remarkable academic and professional accomplishments reflect his unwavering connection to Diné College, where his educational journey began and his aspirations took shape. Adrian grew up in Shonto, Arizona, among the mesas and canyons, within a culturally rich Diné environment.
Raised in the traditions of his family’s healers, he learned the principles of resilience, compassion, and humanitarian service through ceremonial practices and cultural teachings.
Adrian belongs to the Bitter Water Clan (Tódích’ii’nii), born for the White Mountain Apache Band of Red Running into Water Clan (Dził ghá’á Táchii’nii). His maternal grandfather’s clan is the Salt Water Clan (Tódik’ozhi), and his paternal grandfather’s clan is the Tangle People (Ta’neeszahnii).
Adrian began his higher education at Diné College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology in 2018 as part of the program’s inaugural cohort. Diné College played a pivotal role in nurturing Adrian’s aspirations, fostering his pride in his cultural identity, and laying a strong foundation for his academic success.
With the encouragement and mentorship rooted in the college’s mission to uplift Navajo students, Adrian advanced his studies, completing a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling at Northern Arizona University in 2022.
He is currently a fourth-year doctoral student in NAU’s Clinical Psychology program, specializing in neuropsychology.
His clinical practicum experiences inspired Adrian’s interest in pediatric neuropsychology. At Scottsdale Pediatrics Behavioral Service, he works on comprehensive neurodevelopmental evaluations, diagnosing and supporting children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), learning disorders, and other developmental challenges. His work underscores his dedication to addressing the unique needs of children and families.
Adrian’s life mission is deeply rooted in his desire to bridge gaps in access to neuropsychological services within Native communities. He aspires to return to the Navajo Nation to provide culturally informed neuropsychological assessments that integrate traditional Diné values and perspectives.
He is committed to increasing early identification and support for neurodevelopmental conditions, as well as enhancing the availability of vital services in these communities.
A proud alumnus of Diné College, Adrian credits the institution with providing the foundation that empowered him to achieve his goals. His educational path, from a Diné undergraduate to a doctoral candidate, exemplifies the potential of Navajo and Indigenous students to excel in higher education while maintaining their cultural roots.
Adrian continues to inspire others to reach for higher education, take pride in their identity, and advocate for culturally grounded mental health services. His efforts represent a hopeful and impactful future for Native communities.
