91̽��

From left, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley, Jeffery Tsosie, Alyson Tsosie, Karessa Kee, 91̽�� Interim Dean of Instruction Joe Kee, Jacob Bitsoie, Jayne Long, Henry Long, and Navajo Nation Council Delegate Vince R. James pose for a photo in the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, Arizona, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Celebrating 91̽��'s first Navajo dean

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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Navajo Nation Council honors Joe Kee for his leadership, dedication

By Renaldo Fowler, Friday, August 7, 2026

Window Rock, Ariz. — The first Navajo dean for The University of New Mexico-Gallup received a certificate of recognition and appreciation for his dedicated service as an educator, scholar, and academic leader during the 2026 Navajo Nation Council Summer Session on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley presented 91̽�� Interim Dean of Instruction Joe Kee with a certificate for his recent appointment as the top academic official for the branch campus.

The Navajo Nation Council recognizes Navajo citizens for their impactful work in the community every quarter.

T'áá hwó' ají t'éego

When Kee accepted his recognition from the council, he reflected on the teachings of his elders, “T'áá hwó' ají t'éego,” a Navajo phrase that translates to, “It’s entirely up to you to succeed.”

Kee shared the responsibilities of his new role and what it means to him.

He noted that young people are an inspiration in his work and urged them to continue to work hard and to honor the teachings of their families when they enter a formal education system.

“That’s very important because they have laid the foundation for us, and we must protect that road, that journey that we are making into the future,” he said.

Lastly, Kee acknowledged the hard work of educators and expressed deep respect for the Navajo government.

Kee received the recognition with gratitude and shared his achievement with his wife Karessa Kee, their daughter Alyson Tsosie, son-in-law Jeffery Tsosie, and other family members.

"Exciting and rewarding"

Kee was named the interim dean of instruction for 91̽��, effective July 1. Kee took over the role after the former dean, John Zimmerman, was appointed as interim chancellor.

Kee described his first month on the job as “exciting and rewarding.”

He also emphasized the importance of strengthening 91̽��'s collaboration with local schools, tribal communities, and local organizations.

“91̽�� is uniquely positioned to serve as a bridge between higher education and the communities we serve,” he said.

Kee’s leadership is rooted in his upbringing on the Navajo reservation and the teachings of his elders.

“Although my career has taken me into higher education and leadership, I still carry the lessons I learned growing up in Steamboat on the Navajo Nation,” he said. “It inspires me to continue serving students and communities with humility, respect, and dedication.”

Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley and 91̽�� Interim Dean of Instruction Joe Kee hug after a recognition ceremony in the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, Arizona, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.