ALBUQUERQUE — A small college on the eastern edge of the nation’s largest American Indian reservation is getting noticed.
For two years now, Navajo Technical College has been able to land some big names for its commencement ceremonies. U.S. Education Secretary Arnie Duncan traveled to Crownpoint, N.M., to address last year’s graduating class. Jill Biden, the wife of Vice President Joe Biden, will make the trip this year.
And next year?
The question draws a chuckle from Navajo Tech President Elmer Guy. He said the school has been very fortunate.
“There’s a lot of excitement here on campus,” he told The Associated Press in a telephone interview. “People are thrilled. I’m thrilled. This is just unbelievable that we’re able to do this.”
It’s not surprising though. Navajo Tech has seen its enrollment grow exponentially from just 300 students six years ago to about 1,800. For the past two years, the tribal college has been recognized by the Washington, D.C.-based Aspen Institute as one of the top 120 community colleges in the nation, and it’s on the list of candidates for the honor again this year.
The school also boasts an impressive graduation rate of 80 percent and a retention rate of more than 72 percent—both far above the national average. And the number of students enrolling in science, technology, engineering and math programs is increasing by more than 50 percent a year.
