Diné College Inaugurates Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison as 19th President - Dine College -

Diné College Inaugurates Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison as 19th President - Dine College -
Skip to content
About DC
About Diné College
Educational Philosophy
History
Locations
Research
Research Innovation and Practice
Convoy
NARCH
NSF-TCUP
Summer Research Enhancement Program (SREP)
Indigenous Summer Enhancement Program (ISEP)
Undergraduate Student Internship Program
Institutes
Diné Policy Institute (DPI)
Institutes and Grant Programs
Institutional Planning and Reporting
Navajo Language Immersion Institute
Accreditation
Board of Regents
Office of the President
Athletics
Go Warriors
About Athletics
Join Athletics
Fitness Center
Archery
Cross Country
Rodeo
Land Grant Office (LGO)
Land Grant Office (LGO)
Agriculture
Youth Development
Pasture to Plate Expo
Marketing and Communications
Marketing & Communications
Alumni
Meet the Marketing Team
The Higher Education Opportunity Act
Student Consumer Information
Commencement
Academics
Academic Calendar
Our Schools
School of Arts and Humanities
School of Business and Social Science
School of Diné Studies and Education
School of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math
School of Transformation
T’áá hó ‘ájí t’éego
Innovation Hub
Dual Credit Program
Student & Family
New Students
Continuing Students
Instructors & Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Contact
General Education Core
Academic Affairs
Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Academic Assessment and Accreditation
Academic Accreditation
Academic Assessment
Academic Policies
Diné College Placement Rate Methodology
Adult Education Program
Student Consumer Information
Library
Admissions
Admission Information
Admissions FAQs
International Students
Transfer Students
Course Catalog
Course Schedule
Fees
Fees
Tuition
Refund Schedule
Fall and Spring Semesters
Summer Sessions
Financial Aid
Financial Aid and Scholarship
Aid and Scholarship
SAP Policy
Financial Aid Contact
Residence Life
Registration Information
Student Right to Know Act
Placement Assessments
Summer Institute Program
Current Students
ASDC
Student Mental Health Support
Advisement
Student Code of Conduct [pdf]
Student Complaint Process
Student Activites
Campus Safety
Campus Safety
Campus Safety Statistics
Learning Center
Academic Recognition
Transcript Requests
Career Education Program
IT Services
IT-Help
Information Technology
Office 365
MyDC Portal
Security Awareness Portal
Contact us
IT-Help
Support DC
Locations
Career
MyDC Portal
Diné College Inaugurates Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison as 19th President
TSAILE, Ariz. April 16, 2026. Diné College inaugurated Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison as its 19th president during a historic campus ceremony. The event celebrated her lifelong commitment to Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and the Diné College philosophy of learning, Sa’ah Naagháíí Bik’eh Hózhóón, as the first tribally controlled college in the United States.
Dr. Jackson-Dennison outlined a clear, student-focused vision rooted in traditional values and academic excellence. “Students must remain the center of every decision we make, every program we design, every partnership we develop, every policy we implement,” Jackson-Dennison said. “Our responsibility is to ensure students are supported intellectually, culturally, spiritually and personally.”
Reflecting on the founders who established the institution, Jackson-Dennison spoke about the continuous nature of educational leadership and community responsibility. “Sometimes we are called to plant the seeds, and then sometimes we are called to water the seeds,” Jackson-Dennison said. “Then sometimes we are called to protect the seeds, and sometimes we are called to ensure they continue to grow.”
The inauguration featured addresses from various educational and tribal leaders, as well as heartfelt family remembrances, all highlighting the institution’s critical role in shaping the future of the Navajo Nation. Carol Jackson-Holyan, the president’s sister, reflected, “Her educational journey started with me. She was my first teacher. I was her first student.” Charlene Jackson-Etnire, the youngest sister, added, “My father was a true believer in the cultural philosophy of this institution… that an education in Indian country must include culture and tradition.”
Dr. Maggie Mangini, former academic advisor of the Navajo Fellow at ASU, noted, “It was a story of a learning journey that began because of the wisdom of your leaders, who made an investment in young educators with potential that had yet to be realized.”
Honorable Carl Slater of the 25th Navajo Nation Council also spoke, stating, “This institution is intrinsically tied to the destiny of the Diné people.” Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren recognized the importance of the day, noting the enduring strength and vision of Diné College for generations to come.
Diné College Board of Regents Chair Dr. Janet Slowman emphasized the profound cultural impact and future promise of the college: “Diné College is going to water the roots of who we are as the nation.” She continued, “Our college is more than a place of learning—it is a nurturing ground for our traditions, our values, and our future leaders. We are here to protect and strengthen the spirit of our people.” Slowman also highlighted the persistent drive to improve: “With each generation, we plant new seeds for growth, courage, and hope. We honor our history by preparing our students to lead with purpose and integrity.”
Jacob Moore, Arizona State University vice president and special advisor on American Indian Affairs, emphasized the broader implications of Indigenous-led higher education. “Education can set the foundation for advancing and sustaining Tribal sovereignty and self-governance well into the future,” Moore said.
Founded in 1968, Diné College grounds its educational approach in the principles of Sa’ah Naagháí Bik’eh Hózhóón, the traditional living system that places human life in harmony with the natural world. The institution continues to advance quality post-secondary learning to ensure the well-being of the Diné people.
Share this post
Diné College Dual Credit Program Accelerates Local Student’s Path to Psychology Career
Shiprock Celebrates Families and Welcomes Newest Community Members at Nihi’awéé’ Baa Nihił Dahózhó dóó Baa Ahéé Daniidzín Event
Related Posts
Dr. Janet Slowman Appointed to the Diné College Board of Regents
Posted on
July 30, 2025
Diné College Student and Faculty Mentor Advance Indigenous Voices at 2026 AWP Conference
Posted on
April 1, 2026
Diné College School of Diné Studies and Education Welcomes New Dean
Posted on
January 21, 2025
CONTACT US
Chris Burnside
,
Marketing & Communications Manager
cburnside@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6695
Jazzmine D. Martinez
,
Marketing Assistant
Marketing & Communications
jdmartinez@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6694
Patrick Begay,
Graphic Designer
patgbegay@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6698
Shane Brown,
Web Developer
shanbrown@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6696
Isaac P. Madson,
Radio Announcer
imadson@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6986
Shaundin Jones,
Multimedia Specialist
shaundinjones@dinecollege.edu
928-724-6697
Apply Online Now
Recent Posts
Shiprock Celebrates Families and Welcomes Newest Community Members at Nihi’awéé’ Baa Nihił Dahózhó dóó Baa Ahéé Daniidzín Event
Diné College Inaugurates Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison as 19th President
Diné College Dual Credit Program Accelerates Local Student’s Path to Psychology Career
Diné College Student and Faculty Mentor Advance Indigenous Voices at 2026 AWP Conference
Diné College Graduate Student Sheldon Chee Presents InnovativeElectrode Research at 2026 ERN Conference
Archives
April 2026
March 2026
February 2026
January 2026
December 2025
November 2025
October 2025
September 2025
August 2025
July 2025
June 2025
May 2025
April 2025
March 2025
February 2025
January 2025
June 2023
Sign in
Sign up
Sign in
Don’t have an account?
Sign up
Sign up
Already have an account?
Sign in