Rooted in Heritage, Driven by Purpose: Diné College Welcomes Don Benn as the Professional Math Tutor
Please join us in welcoming Don Benn as the new Professional Math Tutor at Diné College’s Tsaile Campus. In the traditional Diné way, Don introduces himself through his four clans: he is Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People), born for Dziłtł’ahnii (Cove People), his maternal grandfathers are Tábąąhí (Water’s Edge People) and his paternal grandfathers are Bit’ahnii (Folded Arms People). This foundation of identity and heritage is central to who he is, and it reflects the values of respect, community, and purpose that he brings with him to the Student Learning Center each day.
Don’s love for mathematics and STEM has guided a long and varied career. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of New Mexico in 1996, then completed graduate studies at New Mexico State University in 2005. He first joined Diné College in 2008, teaching chemistry, biology, and nutrition until 2010. His journey then took him to Montana, where he worked with 18 tribes along the Missouri River on renewable energy projects. From 2015 to 2019, he served the Navajo Nation government, contributing his expertise to the community he calls home.
Raised by his grandparents in Lukachukai, known in English as Clay Springs, Don carries his Diné heritage into his work each day. The practice of honoring one’s clans reflects the teachings passed down to him from an early age, and that grounding shapes how he sees learning itself. During his years teaching chemistry, he explored the connection between Diné philosophy and the sciences. He often points to the cornstalk philosophy, with its stages of planning, implementation, and resolution, and shows how closely it mirrors the scientific method of observation, hypothesis, and result. In his view, traditional knowledge and modern science speak the same language.
Now Don has returned to Diné College with a renewed purpose: to support students, one problem at a time. He chose tutoring so he could connect with learners in a more personal way, meeting them where they are and encouraging them to develop their analytical minds. Whether a student loves math or finds it intimidating, Don sees his role as an inspiring one. He takes genuine pride in watching students succeed, go on to college and graduate school, and returns years later to share how far they have come.
For Don Benn, that success is the true reward. As he puts it, our success is seeing the students succeed.
Diné College Learning Center
Diné College is the first tribally controlled and accredited collegiate institution in the United States, founded to serve the Navajo Nation. The Learning Center supports student success by integrating Diné values, language, and culture with rigorous academic study, guided by the principles of Sa’ąh Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón. Through dedicated academic resources and culturally affirming support, the Learning Center helps students build the knowledge and skills to thrive in their communities and beyond. Learn more at www.dinecollege.edu.
