Diné College Names Three Presidential Finalists, Invites Community Input
TSAILE, Ariz. January 5, 2026. The Diné College Board of Regents announced the names of three finalists for the presidency of Diné College, advancing the nationwide search for the institution’s next leader. The finalists—Dr. Timothy Begaye, Ms. Carrie Lynn Billy, and Dr. Deborah J. Dennison were selected after an extensive review of qualified candidates committed to advancing the mission and vision of Diné College.
“These three finalists represent a wealth of leadership, professional experience, and deep ties to Native education,” said Dr. Janet Slowman, Chair of the Diné College Board of Regents. “Throughout this process, our priority has been to identify candidates who honor Navajo values while propelling Diné College and its students toward a bright future.” Dr. Maggie George, Vice Chair and Presidential Search Chair, added, “We thank the college community and broader Navajo Nation for their engagement and look forward to hearing your input during the next phase.”
About the Finalists:
- Dr. Timothy Begaye, Ed.D., currently serves as Vice President of Academic Affairs at Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute, Bureau of Indian Education, New Mexico. Widely respected for his work in advancing Native language programming, Dr. Begaye’s prior roles include Education Program Specialist in Native Languages at the Bureau of Indian Education. He holds a Doctor of Education and two Master’s degrees from Harvard University in Administration, Planning, and Social Policy, a Master of Education from Harvard, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration from Northeastern University. Dr. Begaye has led transformative academic initiatives that have increased student success and driven program innovation.
- Ms. Carrie Lynn Billy, J.D., is the Principal and Consultant for American Indian and Alaska Native Higher Education and Student Success at the Low Mountain Collaborative, serving clients in Virginia and Arizona. She previously served as President and CEO of the American Indian Higher Education Consortium (AIHEC), where she was recognized for championing federal policy, funding, and partnerships benefiting tribal colleges nationwide. Ms. Billy earned a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center and a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism from the University of Arizona. She is known for her strategic advocacy and proven track record of guiding organizations to achieve equity and excellence.
- Dr. Deborah J. Dennison, Ed.D., is CEO, Owner, and Lead Consultant at Indigenous Ingenuity, LLC. She has broad experience advising schools and tribal organizations in Arizona and New Mexico. She is a former Superintendent for the San Carlos Unified School District and mentors Native educators. Dr. Dennison holds a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education from Arizona State University, a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of New Mexico, and an Associate of Arts from Diné College. Dr. Dennison is known for work in education leadership and Indigenous youth advocacy.
Public Forums and Community Participation:
Public forums for the finalists will be held during the week of January 13, 2026. Students, faculty, staff, and community are invited to meet each candidate in person at Ned Hatathli Center, 1st Floor, Lecture Room 101C, or join via Zoom (https://dinecollege.zoom.us/j/97955414810). Each session starts with a short introduction, followed by a Q&A. The schedule is:
- Tuesday, January 13, 2026: Ms. Carrie Billy, J.D., 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
- Wednesday, January 14, 2026: Dr. Deborah Dennison, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
- Thursday, January 15, 2026: Dr. Timothy Begaye, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Attendees, in-person or virtual, can ask questions and give feedback. After each forum, all participants will be asked to complete a feedback form about the candidates. The Board will review all feedback as a key part of the decision.
“Community voices and perspectives are invaluable to this process,” said Dr. George. “We invite everyone to participate and provide honest, thoughtful input about each finalist. These forums are a vital part of ensuring the next president reflects the values and aspirations of Diné College and the Navajo Nation.”
If bad weather affects forums, sessions move to the week of January 26. The online feedback survey closes at 2:00 p.m. after each forum.
About the Presidential Search Process:
Diné College launched a national search in 2025 to find a visionary leader with a deep understanding of Indigenous education and a commitment to student success, community engagement, and cultural preservation. The Presidential Search Committee, made up of regents, collaborated with the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) to ensure a transparent and inclusive process.
Media Contact:
Cindy Lopez
ACCT Director of Search Services and Tribal College Initiatives
clopez@acct.org
(405) 255-2566
Chris Burnside
Marketing & Communications Manager
928.724.6695
www.dinecollege.edu
