Diné College Students Experience High-Impact Academic Immersion at New Mexico State University In Collaboration with Indian Resources Development
SHIPROCK, NM — From April 8th to April 11th, a cohort of Diné College students, including dual-credit high schoolers, completed an intensive and rewarding academic residency at New Mexico State University (NMSU). The visit was made possible through a growing partnership between Diné College and the NMSU Indian Resources Development (IRD) program, designed to bridge the gap between tribal colleges and diverse career pathways in agriculture, business, engineering, science, and technology.
The four-day excursion offered students a choice between two specialized academic tracks, which included “Analytical Engineering” and “Animal and Plant Sciences.” Each track provided rigorous, hands-on exposure to advanced laboratory settings and direct mentorship from university faculty and current NMSU students.
In the “Analytical Engineering” track, students toured state-of-the-art facilities and met with various student organizations. A highlight of the visit was a peer-to-peer session with a Chemical Engineering student who graduated from Piedra Visita High School, who shared firsthand insights into the transition from home to a major research university.
Simultaneously, the “Animal and Plant Sciences”track allowed students to engage in on-site labs to explore agricultural career opportunities. Students participated in specialized training and enjoyed a visit to the campus turtle pond, where they were able to interact directly with the wildlife and learn about biological conservation.
Beyond the laboratory, the IRD program hosted several networking and cultural events to enrich the student experience:
Cultural Exchange: Students ate and toured the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center for a deeper look at regional history and heritage.
Professional Etiquette: The NMSU School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management hosted an etiquette dinner, equipping students with essential soft skills for professional environments.
Community Building: A dinner and gathering was held at the Farm and Ranch Heritage Museum, fostering community between the visiting students and the NMSU community.
Natural Wonders: The group visited White Sands National Park, providing a unique opportunity for outdoor exploration.
The visit also featured participation from Navajo Agricultural Products Industry (NAPI). A representative attended several sessions to inform students about vital career paths available closer to home on the Navajo Nation, ensuring that students see the connection between their studies at Diné College and the needs of their home communities.
“We are committed to building a strong partnership that ensures our students ultimately succeed in their degree paths,” Winifred Jumbo, Director of External Campuses stated. “The IRD program provides opportunities for our students in the most meaningful and important way, which is by hands on experience learning. We are thankful for this opportunity and look forward to seeing our students flourish in these critical fields.”
Diné College and NMSU IRD intend to continue this collaboration, providing Diné College students with the resources and exposure necessary to lead the next generation of innovators in engineering, agriculture, and beyond.
Diné College extends its gratitude to Diné College and NMSU students, NMSU, Office of External Campuses, and NAPI.
