Diné College Reports Rising Student Success at 2026 Fall Convocation
TSAILE, Ariz. Diné College leaders shared strong signs of student success during the 2026 Fall Convocation on Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, where Velveena Davis, Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Planning & Reporting Campus Security, presented a year-end report showing that student persistence rate climbed to 81% and passing rates rose sharply across the college.
The report reviewed the past fall, spring, and summer semesters. It offered faculty and staff a clear look at enrollment, student outcomes, and graduation numbers for the full academic year.
According to the report, student persistency grew from 55% in 2021-22 to 81% in 2025-26. Davis called this the most encouraging result of the year.
“Persistency shows the strongest positive trend we have,” Davis said. “It shows that our students want to stay here from one semester to another. That is a direct result of everyone’s hard work.”
The report also showed steady gains in passing rates. Fall passing rates rose from 58% in 2023 to 71% in 2025, and Spring 2026 rates improved even more, reaching 77%.
Graduation numbers stayed strong as well. According to the report, 172 students earned degrees during the year, and the college awarded 184 degrees in total. Some students earned more than one credential.
The report described the student body in detail. Female students made up 72% of the population. Part-time students now account for 61% of enrollment, a shift from the college’s former full-time majority.
Davis credited dual credit programs with helping keep enrollment steady. According to the report, these programs are sustaining the college’s numbers, especially in Arizona.
“Dual credit is actually carrying us through right now,” Davis said. “If you took it away, our numbers would be far less.”
The report noted that some challenges remain. English and math continued to be the top areas where students struggled to pass. Davis said the college must keep working to support students in these subjects.
Davis closed with three recommendations based on the report’s findings. She urged the college to grow dual credit programs in New Mexico, improve faculty office hours and strengthen campus security and safety.
“This upcoming year, we just need to do a little bit more,” Davis said. “None of this could be done without everyone’s help.”
About Diné College
Diné College is the first tribally controlled and accredited collegiate institution in the United States. Founded to serve the Navajo Nation, the college integrates Diné values, language, and culture with rigorous academic study, preparing students to thrive in their communities and beyond. Through a commitment to student success, cultural identity, and lifelong learning, Diné College advances educational opportunity grounded in the principles of Sa’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón.
