The leader of America's first tribal college has left an enduring mark on Native American education.
According to ICT News, Dr. Charles "Monty" Roessel, president of Diné College, passed away Monday morning in Albuquerque, New Mexico, following a prolonged battle with cancer at age 63.
Roessel's tenure as president since 2017 was marked by groundbreaking achievements, including the transformation of Diné College from a two-year institution to a four-year university.
His leadership established four new transdisciplinary schools and pioneered innovative programs focused on Navajo sovereignty and cultural arts.
The expansion of Diné College under Roessel's guidance reflected a deep commitment to Indigenous education and nation-building.
His initiatives included the creation of the School of Diné Studies and Education, the School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, the School of Arts, Humanities, and English, and the School of Business and Social Science.
George Hardeen, communication director for the Navajo Nation President's Office, emphasized Roessel's gentle leadership style and lasting impact. The connection to Diné College ran deep in the Roessel family, as his father served as the institution's first president when it was established in 1968.
Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, chair of the Diné College Board of Regents, praised Roessel's ability to align educational opportunities with the Navajo Nation's broader aspirations. His vision extended beyond academic growth to include the establishment of the Navajo Sovereignty Institute and the groundwork for the nation's first law school.
Before his role at Diné College, Roessel held various positions in Indigenous education. His journey included serving as director of the Bureau of Indian Education, where he managed 183 schools and two tribal colleges while implementing a $1 billion reform initiative.
Hardeen shared about Roessel's earlier career as managing editor of Navajo Times TODAY:
People didn't just like Monty; they loved Monty. He was quiet in his own way but he left huge footprints. It will be very difficult to find a successor at Diné College for him.
Former Navajo Times Publisher and CEO Tom Arviso Jr. recalled their time as young journalists, stating that Roessel demonstrated strong leadership in bringing Native American journalism to new heights.
The newspaper's dramatic closure in 1987 under former Navajo Nation Chairman Peter MacDonald Sr.'s administration marked a significant moment in Native journalism history.
Dr. Charles "Monty" Roessel's death represents a significant loss for both Diné College and the broader Navajo Nation community. His transformation of the tribal college from a two-year to a four-year institution, coupled with the establishment of new academic programs and institutes, has created a foundation for future generations of Native American students. While his family has requested privacy during this time, arrangements for funeral services will be announced later through family friend Mark Trahant.
