State-of-art college campus planned in Kayenta.
The project, adjacent to Highway 160, will include the development of a two-building complex in Kayenta’s new industrial park, located near the Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital. The buildings will be designed to house new academic facilities for NPC, including in-person and connected classrooms, science and health labs, a computer lab, a small business development conference room and a new location for the town’s library.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents a major milestone in expanding higher education access in rural Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs, who attended the event. “By investing in facilities like the new Kayenta Center, we’re creating more education and career pathways for Arizonans in rural and Tribal communities that are vital to shaping our state’s future.”
Northland Pioneer College serves the residents of Navajo and Apache counties through four regional campuses and five centers with a variety of academic, career and technical education programs, and personal enrichment classes.
Through the past three years, “particularly in response to the closures of the Black Mesa and Peabody Kayenta Coal Mines,” Northland Pioneer College has joined forces with local organizations and groups to work to boost economic development in northeast Arizona and Kayenta, according to an NPC news release.
“Your belief in this vision has helped turn hope into reality,” said NPC President Dr. Von Lawson, speaking at the event. “When I look into the eyes of children and see that unmistakable spark, I see possibility. I see a dreamer. And today, those dreams are closer to becoming a reality. Today, we witness dreams taking shape. This is not our campus. It belongs to you. It was born from your vision and advocacy. It was born from your belief in what is possible. We are simply here to serve you. This is your campus. Built because you dreamed it. And it will open because you believed in it.”
A broad coalition of support was behind the project, including NPC, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) and the Kayenta Township. The Arizona Commerce Authority made a significant investment by applying for the $9 million Economic Transition Resources Grant, in collaboration with the Kayenta Township, the Kayenta Unified School District, Kayenta Health Services and other stakeholders. NPC was awarded the funding in 2024.
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state’s leading economic development organization, with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona’s economy by attracting out-of-state companies to establish and expand operations in Arizona, the press release added.
“We’re proud to partner with Northland Pioneer College on the expanded Kayenta Center. This groundbreaking reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural Arizona’s economy and workforce,” said ACA President and CEO Sandra Watson. “We’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, Dr. Lawson and Northland Pioneer College, Kayenta Township, Dr. Nygren and Navajo Nation, along with all of the partners for their leadership and collaboration.”
The Kayenta Township serves as a major stop before Monument Valley. It is the region’s primary hub for travelers visiting Navajo Nation attractions.
“This project has the promise to strengthen and expand the local Township economy by developing homegrown talent aligned with the Township’s priorities, Navajo cultural values and new jobs and new regional workforce needs as the Township targets prospective employers and industry,” said Kayenta Township Manager Jarvis Williams. “Northland Pioneer College has been in the Kayenta community for 50 years, so this groundbreaking is a welcomed new home for NPC and a tangible place of learning for students.”
“The new NPC facility in Kayenta represents a meaningful investment in people, creating opportunities for education, connection and long-term prosperity for the entire community,” said NPC President Dr. Von Lawson. “We hope the impact of this new center will extend far beyond its walls, fostering educational achievement while helping to drive sustainable growth across the region. This effort reflects the power of partnership. By working together with community leaders, we are creating a space that will uplift students, families, and the broader region for years to come.”
Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren signed the lease agreement in a ceremonial event on June 20 at Kayenta’s Town Hall. On July 1, NPC hosted a development event and job fair to coordinate the construction activities and kick off the project. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from NPC, the Kayenta Township, SPS+ Architects, Jones and DeMille Engineering, and CORE Construction.
The project is expected to be completed by May 2027. FBN
By Betsey Bruner, FBN
Courtesy Photo: A groundbreaking celebration to increase educational opportunities on the Navajo Nation brought together key stakeholders in the project. Pictured here are Navajo Nation Council Delegate Shaandiin Parrish, NPC District Governing Board (DGB) members Porter Black, Kristine Laughter and Derrick Leslie, ACA Senior Vice President of Economic Development Keith Watkins, NPC DGB Chair Everett Robinson, NPC DGB member Rosie Sekayumptewa, NPC President Dr. Von Lawson, Arizona Senator Theresa Hatathlie, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren, Kayenta Township Commissioner Chair Dr. Delores Greyeyes, CORE Construction Vice President of Higher Education Seth Beer, SPS+ Business Development Associate Rob Bass and Kayenta Township Manager Jarvis Williams.
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