The Office of the Provost has appointed Mr. David Peter Nez as the interim Dean for the School of Diné Studies and Education
12th August 2024
Tsaile, AZ – David Peter Nez, is Ma’ii deezgisnii clan, born in Tódichíhnii. His maternal grandfather is Honaghani, and his paternal grandfather is Kinyaa’aanii. His mother and siblings were orphaned; she and her brother were adopted by their father’s family and moved to Cottonwood, Arizona, while her sister stayed with their maternal grandmother in Chinle Valley. Nez’s upbringing was rooted in agriculture and pastoral life.
“Raised in a dirt-floor hogan without indoor plumbing or electricity, I slept on sheepskins and learned the value of hard work and perseverance,” stated Nez. “After high school, I enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving six years and achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. Called back by my mother to marry, I returned to Navajo country in 1980 and pursued education at Navajo Community College. Later, I transferred to the University of New Mexico, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1987.”
Armed with a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Mexico, he embarked on a career in the Navajo Nation government as a Management Analyst. This role allowed him to hone his skills in management and leadership, which later augmented with a Master’s degree in Navajo culture, language, and leadership from Navajo Technical University in 2018. He shared his knowledge as an adjunct faculty member, teaching culture and leadership courses.
In 2022, he became a full-time faculty member at Diné College, teaching Navajo Nation Leadership Certificate program courses and general education courses on Navajo history, governance, and leadership. “This role has opened further opportunities for research and learning as I consider pursuing a doctoral dissertation,” said Nez.
“My personal life has been equally fulfilling. I have been a resident of Tohatchi, New Mexico, for over 40 years, where I have lived with my wife. Together, we have raised two daughters and a son, and we are now enjoying our retirement, managing our livestock and land for the future of our family.”
