Diné College Selects New President

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

From Diné College

Jan. 23, 2026.

The Diné College Board of Regents is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Deborah Jackson-Dennison as the institution's next president. Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an esteemed educational leader and Diné College alumna, will officially assume her role on March 2, 2026.

Diné College Board of Regents Chair Janet Slowman and Presidential Search Chair Maggie George confirmed the selection, emphasizing Dr. Jackson-Dennison’s exceptional qualifications and alignment with the college’s mission. "Her deep commitment to culturally responsive education, inclusive governance, and thoughtful financial stewardship aligns strongly with the College’s mission to serve the Diné Nation and surrounding communities," the Board stated. "We look forward to working collaboratively with her as we advance student success and institutional sustainability."

Dr. Jackson-Dennison, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation (Diné), brings nearly four decades of experience in educational leadership, with a career dedicated to advancing Indigenous sovereignty, self-determination, and academic excellence. Her leadership reflects a unique ability to integrate Indigenous knowledge systems with Western academic frameworks, a hallmark of her scholarship and professional practice.

A Legacy of Leadership and Innovation

Dr. Jackson-Dennison’s career spans senior executive roles across Indigenous-serving and federally impacted education systems. Most recently, she served as the Chief Executive Officer of Indigenous Ingenuity, LLC, where she supported clients across Arizona and New Mexico in strengthening governance, policy, and academic systems.

Her leadership experience includes 21 years as a superintendent in Arizona public schools. This includes service as Superintendent of Schools for the San Carlos Unified School District from 2016 to 2025, where she led comprehensive, system-wide reform focused on instructional quality, fiscal stewardship, and measurable student outcomes. At Window Rock Unified School District, she spearheaded the transformation of Tsehootsooi Diné Bi’Olta’ into a Navajo language immersion K–8 school, advancing Diné language revitalization through academically rigorous and culturally grounded instruction.

Dr. Jackson-Dennison’s expertise extends to leading complex capital projects, such as the Bee Hołdzil Event Center, a $37 million, 6,500-seat facility designed to honor Diné history, cultural values, and traditions. Her ability to align institutional accountability with cultural integrity has earned her national recognition as a scholar and advocate for Indigenous education.

Academic and Professional Achievements

Dr. Jackson-Dennison began her higher education journey at Diné College, the first tribally controlled college in the United States, grounding her academic foundation in the Diné philosophy of lifelong learning. She later earned advanced degrees in education, including a Doctor of Education and a Master of Education in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Education from the University of New Mexico.

Her scholarship centers on the Diné philosophy of lifelong learning and its application within contemporary education systems as a pathway to sovereignty and nation-building. At San Carlos Unified School District, she led the development and implementation of the Shiłgozhóó Instructional and Organizational Effectiveness Model, utilizing the Reconciliation of Knowledge and Wisdom (RKW) Instrument refined from her dissertation research. This work strengthens the alignment of Indigenous school systems toward student-centered practices in curriculum, instruction, assessment, and organizational accountability.

At the national level, Dr. Jackson-Dennison has served as President of the National Indian Impacted Schools Association, Chair of the National Advisory Council on Indian Education, and a board member of the National Association of Federally Impacted Schools. She was appointed to the National Advisory Council on Indian Education by the President of the United States in 2010, serving as an advisor to the President and Congress on Indian education policy.

A Vision for Diné College

Dr. Jackson-Dennison’s appointment follows a comprehensive search process that included presidential finalist forums and feedback from the college community. Her vision for Diné College is deeply rooted in the institution’s foundational role in advancing the Navajo Nation's rebuilding and preparing future Diné leaders.

The Board of Regents expressed confidence in her ability to guide the college forward, stating, "Dr. Jackson-Dennison’s leadership will strengthen Diné College’s role as a beacon of Indigenous education, sovereignty, and cultural preservation."