CROWNPOINT, NM – On March 1st, 2023, Navajo Technical University officials received a tank rig donation from Marathon Petroleum Corporation to enhance the university’s educational program for students earning their commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Dr. Elmer J. Guy welcomed Marathon Petroleum guests inside the Hospitality Center with introductions from NTU staff and faculty. Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya joined via zoom to thank Marathon for providing NTU with a tank truck. “Thank you to Navajo Technical University and Marathon Petroleum for establishing this entity for our students to be on the Navajo Nation to obtain their education from Early Childhood education to the CDL Program.” – said Navajo Nation Vice President Richelle Montoya.
V.J. Smith, Marathon’s Manager-ESG & Stakeholder Engagement, explained that Navajo Technical University’s workforce is increasingly better at preparing individuals for professional success by increasing access to highquality educational training and career readiness resources, including vocational, technical, and skilled trades. “NTU is doing great at being in leadership but also as a partnership. We want to continue to build capacity with NTU on an ongoing basis,” said Marathon Manager for ESG and Stakeholder Engagement V.J. Smith. “Leaders from the university and the Navajo Nation helped us understand where our resources could have the most impact.” Students are working to attain professional credentials in related fields, including certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research and the American Welding Society. Other implements will assist NTU’s automotive technology department with achieving accreditation from the Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation for the 2022-2023 academic year. A cold brisk morning as NTU staff and Marathon officials finished with remarks and presentations. Marathon presented the truck outside the Wellness Center parking lot, a time for group photos. Later, a warm welcome awaits all participants as Chef Robert Witte, Chef Walter Cloud, and the NTU Culinary Arts Program for providing lunch and hospitality. Guests thanked the staff for their hospitality as everyone expressed gratitude and discussed highlights from the event and upcoming events. NTU and Marathon continued to tour the campus to learn about the university's facilities, student life, campus culture, academics, and programs offered by the institution.
NTU is the most significant tribal university in the United States. It offers master’s, baccalaureate, and associate degrees and certificates across academic fields ranging from engineering to the culinary arts.
Navajo Technical University continues to honor Diné culture and language, while educating for the future.
Dale Morgan, Communications Specialist dmorgan@navajotech.edu For more information, contact: Program Advisor Collins Woody CDL Instructor E : cwoody@navajotech.edu