Diné College Appoints Dr. Alysa Landry as New Provost
20th September 2024
TSAILE, AZ –Diné College proudly announces the appointment of Dr. Alysa Landry as its new provost. As a seasoned journalist, biographer, and academic deeply rooted in the Navajo Nation, Dr. Landry’s leadership is expected to enhance the college’s educational offerings and support its unique mission.
“The appointment of Dr. Landry will help propel Diné College forward in providing quality educational programs that meet the needs of the Navajo people and Nation,” stated President Charles “Monty” Roessel. Dr. Landry, who has been serving as interim provost since June 2023, brings a wealth of experience and academic insight to her new role.
Dr. Landry, who holds master’s degrees in journalism and creative nonfiction and a Ph.D. in Holocaust and Genocide Studies, expressed her dedication to the college’s mission. “I’m honored to take on the role of permanent provost,” she said. “Higher education has the power to transform lives, particularly at tribal colleges, where many students are the first in their families to attend college.”
As provost, Dr. Landry aims to address the unique challenges faced by tribal colleges, balancing cultural knowledge with modern educational practices. “Diné College is strong because it is rooted in Navajo identity,” she emphasized, advocating for a blend of Navajo teachings and best practices from other institutions.
The provost, also known as the chief academic officer, plays a critical role in overseeing all aspects of academic personnel and programming at Diné College. This includes supervising academic deans, faculty, the dual-credit program, as well as the library and museum. Additionally, the provost is responsible for coordinating educational planning, assessment, and accreditation activities to ensure the college maintains high academic standards.
Diné College provides a comprehensive array of educational programs, encompassing certificate courses, associate degrees, bachelor’s programs, and master’s degrees. Its physical presence spans across multiple locations, with campuses situated in Tsaile, Arizona, Shiprock, New Mexico, and other areas. The institution maintains a steadfast dedication to meeting the educational requirements of the Navajo Nation.