Diné College Graduate Accepted into Dental School, Credits College’s STEM Program for Transformative Educational Experience
Tsaile, Ariz., Kelly King, a recent graduate of Diné College, reflects on her transformative experience at the institution. “I’m from the Choctaw and Creek tribes in Oklahoma and did mostly online classes during COVID,” King said. “I got lucky!”
Diné College’s STEM program continues to make a profound impact on its students, equipping them with the skills and support needed to excel in competitive fields. A graduate, who earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology in December 2024, shared how the program’s rigorous curriculum and dedicated faculty prepared them for success in dental school.
“Enrolling in Diné College changed my life,” King said. “It was the first time in my educational career that I found instructors who cared for students as a whole.”
King highlighted the dedication of the STEM faculty, who not only provided challenging coursework but also supported students through mentorship and guidance. Their efforts included writing recommendation letters that helped secure several scholarships, including the prestigious Indian Health Services Scholarship.
On the same day the King received her diploma, she also received an acceptance call into dental school. Now residing in Yakima, Washington, she has begun her first year at Pacific Northwest University, pursuing her dream of becoming a dentist.
“Diné College’s STEM program is a cornerstone of our mission to empower students through education and prepare them for advanced opportunities,” said Dr. Shazia Tabassum Hakim, Professor, Microbiology & Biomedical Sciences, from the Diné College. “We are proud to see our graduates succeed and contribute to their communities in meaningful ways.”
Diné College offers a range of four-year degree programs, including STEM fields, designed to empower students and prepare them for advanced education and professional careers.
The college’s commitment to promoting academic excellence and cultural preservation continues to inspire students to achieve their goals.
