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Pieces from ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup Native American art collection stand out in the background while the Cellicion Zuni Dancers perform in celebration of Native American Heritage Month inside Gurley Hall on Nov. 13, 2024.

ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup opens new Native American Student Success Center

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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New director building program to be a student-centered space where all are welcome

By Richard Reyes, Friday, February 28, 2025

GALLUP, N.M. — ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½-Gallup opened a new Native American Student Success Center that aims to become a student-centered space where Lobos can build community together.

The Native American Student Success Center hired a director Nov. 12, 2024, and they have been tasked with building the program from the ground up. The director wants the center to be a place where students can hang out, access computers, grab a snack, get coffee or tea, and more.

Some ideas for future events include a friendship prayer circle, semester kickoff breakfasts, positive affirmations with elders or alumni, a speaker series, and a Native American graduation ceremony.

The center is currently located inside Gurley Hall in the former Student Veterans Association space next door to TRIO/Student Support Services and the Student Resource Center.

ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup established the center in the Fall 2024 semester after receiving a five-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution program.

ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup was designated as a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution in 2023.

As of the Spring 2025 semester, students who identify as American Indian and Native Hawaiian make up approximately 68% of ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup’s student campus headcount.

The center is open and available to any and all students at ÀÏ˾»úµ¼º½allup.