Photo: The John Pinto Library at Diné College’s Shiprock Campus.
Diné College Seeks Funding for High Speed Internet Access at Shiprock Campus
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Feb. 12, 2020
SHIPROCK, N.M. — Two pieces of state legislation aimed at kick starting a college and career readiness program, and which would provide high-speed Internet services at the John Pinto Library at Diné College’s Shiprock campus, recently cleared the Senate Indian Affairs Committee.
Senate Bill 214 (SB 214) seeks $500,000 from the state general fund for the readiness program and to provide funds to equipment and personnel. Senate Bill 215 (SB 215) seeks $494,000 to begin broadband services. Both bills pertain to the college’s Shiprock campus.
“One of the goals of Diné College is greater accessibility to higher education,” Diné College President Charles Monty Roessel said. Roessel called both bills a necessity. “Whether for research, economic development or increased educational opportunities, Sen. Pinto’s bills will help our students and Shiprock and the surrounding communities,” Roessel said.
Sen. Shannon Pinto, D-Tohatchi, told the Farmington Daily-Times that the Pinto library provides space for patrons to conduct business online and needs upgrades as a result of changes in technology. Pinto, the daughter of the late Sen. John Pinto and appointed by Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham (D), sponsored the bills.
Both SB 24 and SB 215 cleared the IAC and are before the Senate Finance Committee. They go to the House for committee review after leaving the Senate.
“We understand there are many requests from higher education institutions across New Mexico that the legislators are considering,” Crystal Cree, Director of Legislative Affairs and Policy at Diné College, said. “However, the impact of funding given to Diné College is much greater. Taking into account the rural and underserved area we operate in, this funding can impact not only our students’ success, but be a force against the economic challenges this region faces.”
The New Mexico Legislature adjourns Feb. 20.
CONTACT US
Marie R. Etsitty Nez
Vice President of External Affairs
marienez@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6985
George Joe, M.A., M.Ed, Director Of Marketing and Communications
grjoe@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6695
Bernie Dotson, Public Relations Officer
bdotson@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6697
Scott Tom, Graphic Design and Digital Media Specialist
shtom@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6698
Jazzmine D. Martinez, Marketing Assistant
jdmartinez@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6694
