The Kayenta Township Economic Development Department officially designated land within the Kayenta Industrial Park for the development of a new Northland Pioneer College (NPC) facility. This milestone marks a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure in the region.

To support this development, Kayenta Township has invested in critical infrastructure improvements at the Industrial Park, including the construction of a new road, installation of sewer and water lines and the integration of broadband-ready utilities. These enhancements are designed to attract new businesses and support long-term community growth.

“For more than 40 years, Northland Pioneer College has been a vital part of our region, providing access to higher education by operating from various locations throughout the community,” said Geraldine Laughter, economic development manager for Kayenta Township. “As more students seek opportunities to learn closer to home, NPC has continually risen to meet those needs.

NPC leadership, in collaboration with Kayenta Township officials and staff from the NPC Kayenta Center, conducted a series of meetings to assess the academic and community needs of the area. The consensus emphasized the need for expanded classroom space, a community-accessible library, and additional computer labs.

Preliminary plans for the new facility include:

* A health and science classroom

* A fully equipped science classroom

* A library and computer lab

* A small business conference room to support local economic development

NPC faculty and staff have provided input to ensure the facility meets both academic and technical training needs.

The inclusion of a science lab is particularly significant, as students previously had to travel up to three hours to complete the required lab coursework. This new facility will allow students to complete full degree programs locally.

“This project has been years in the making,” said Laughter. “NPC has always been a part of our community, and this new facility strengthens that bond by providing a permanent home for higher education in Kayenta.”

The new center will also serve as a hub for collaboration with local institutions such as the Kayenta Unified School District and the Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital. These partnerships open the door for expanded Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs.

In 2023, the Arizona Commerce Authority announced a grant opportunity for coal-impacted communities. Kayenta qualified due to its proximity to the former Peabody Coal Company operations. NPC’s leadership applied for the $9 million grant and collaborated closely with leaders from Kayenta Township, Kayenta Chapter, Kayenta Unified School District, Kayenta Indian Health Service, and other key stakeholders. This funding, combined with strong community support, including resolutions passed by local governing bodies, paved the way for the project’s advancement.

In April 2024, NPC was awarded the grant. Kayenta Township then worked diligently to finalize a lease agreement that would allow this transformative project to move forward.

On June 30, of this year Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren formally signed the Northland Pioneer College Lease Agreement during a ceremonial event held at the Kayenta Township Town Hall in Kayenta.

Dr. Von Lawson, Ed.D., President of Northland Pioneer College, praised the collaborative efforts that led to the lease signing. “Together, these leaders have demonstrated that education is a powerful tool for community empowerment,” he stated. “The lease signing marks another historical milestone for both Kayenta and the Navajo Nation as a whole.”

Dr. Lawson said, “A new NPC building in Kayenta will provide numerous benefits to the local community, addressing both immediate needs and long-term goals for economic and educational growth.”

He described the future center as more than just a place for learning. “The center will be more than just an educational facility; it will serve as a community hub for events, workshops, and other initiatives that can engage locals of all ages. Having a dedicated space for learning and community events helps foster a sense of pride and belonging.”

Dr. Lawson noted the potential for economic impact. “The center will attract students and visitors to the area, benefiting local businesses, services, and infrastructure. This can boost the local economy and provide a sustainable model for growth.”

He concluded by recognizing the collective leadership that made the project possible. “The new NPC building represents not only an academic institution but also a catalyst for broader social, cultural, and economic development,” he said. “The support and collaboration from leaders like Dr. Nygren, Dr. Greyeyes, Mr. Williams and Ms. Laughter underscore the importance of working together to create opportunities for growth and success in the Kayenta community. The long-term impact will be felt by generations of Navajo students and their families, creating a legacy of empowerment through education.”

Dr. Delores Greyeyes, Chair of the Kayenta Township Commission, shared, “I was fortunate to earn an Associates of Applied Sciences degree right here at home, without ever leaving my community. That opportunity became the foundation for my continued journey, leading to a Ph.D.”

For Dr. Greyeyes, the establishment of a permanent NPC campus in Kayenta represents more than just a building—it symbolizes opportunity, sovereignty, and continuity. She emphasized the importance of access to higher education without the hardship of leaving home. “It means learning while remaining rooted in their families, their culture, and language,” she explained. “It means staying connected while reaching forward.”

Dr. Greyeyes acknowledges the efforts put forth by past leaders, including Daniel Peaches, former Kayenta Town Manager and a longtime member of NPC’s District Governing Board. “They planted the seeds we now bring to bloom,” she said. “We are bridging their vision with our work and moving it forward into reality.”

The new NPC Kayenta Center will be the first permanent brick-and-mortar college facility on the Navajo Nation. It represents a shared vision among local leaders to provide accessible, high-quality education and workforce training to the people of Kayenta and surrounding communities.

“We are excited to move forward with the signing of the lease agreement and begin construction of the new NPC Lab and Library,” Laughter added.

Following the official signing of the lease agreement, momentum for the project continued immediately. On July 1, a construction coordination meeting was held to initiate the next phase of development for the new NPC Kayenta Center. The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including members of the NPC staff, the construction management team, Cleveland-Gray, project managers from SPS+ Architects and Jones & DeMille Engineering, and representatives from CORE Construction, the firm selected to build the facility. The Navajo Tribal Utility Authority will also play a vital role, partnering on the installation of water, sewer, and electrical infrastructure.

Cleveland-Gray emphasized the importance of equitable access to education, stating, “We want every person to have the accessibility of college resources that every other community college student has. Working with the contractors ensures the campus has some cultural features and characteristics that will help the students feel comfortable to study.”

The new NPC facility will be constructed on a designated site within the Kayenta Industrial Park, strategically located near the Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital and adjacent to Highway 160. Construction is scheduled to begin in February 2026, with project completion anticipated by summer 2027.