SENATE MEMORIAL 78

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2014

INTRODUCED BY

John Pinto

A MEMORIAL

COMMENDING NAVAJO TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY FOR ITS HISTORY OF SUCCESS IN SERVING STUDENTS AND FOR ITS EVOLUTION FROM A THRIVING VOCATIONAL CENTER TO A RESPECTED UNIVERSITY AND HONORING THE UNIVERSITY FOR ITS ACCOMPLISHMENTS.

     WHEREAS, Navajo technical university has a long tradition of offering educational opportunity to students from its main campus in Crownpoint, New Mexico; and

     WHEREAS, the university has seen consistent growth since the establishment of its predecessor, the Navajo skills center, which was created to meet a growing demand for training in vocational trades; and

     WHEREAS, after a few years of service to students, in 1985, the Navajo skills center became the Crownpoint institute of technology, which offered associate degree programs; and

     WHEREAS, following significant expansion in higher education services, in 2006, the Crownpoint institute of technology earned the name "Navajo Technical College", which offered a broad curriculum and a second instructional site in Chinle, Arizona; and

     WHEREAS, in 2010, the college implemented its first baccalaureate degree, a bachelor of applied science in information technology, and celebrated outstanding programs in computer science, digital manufacturing and new media; and

     WHEREAS, the college was named among the top one hundred twenty community colleges in the United States in 2011 and 2012; and

     WHEREAS, in 2012, the college achieved an outstanding graduation rate of eighty-one percent; and

     WHEREAS, in August 2013, the Navajo Nation council and Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly authorized the college to begin operations as "Navajo Technical University", the Navajo Nation's first university and the third tribal university in North America; and

     WHEREAS, the university is particularly proud to be offering bachelor's degrees in computer and electronics engineering, creative writing and new media and a master's degree in Dine culture, language and leadership; and

     WHEREAS, the university looks forward to the continual development of some of its strongest programs, including science, technology, engineering, mathematics and Dine studies, and to continuing its record of engaging with the community through internships, sports and community education;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO that Navajo technical university be recognized for its commitment to quality higher education and the community and for preserving Dine culture and for its history of continual growth and evolution; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this memorial be transmitted to the president of Navajo technical university and Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly.

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