Tragic Loss: Navajo Nation’s First Tribal College President Passes Away at 63

Dr. Charles “Monty” Roessel, the president of Diné College, passed away Monday morning in Albuquerque, New Mexico, succumbing to a long battle with cancer at the age of 63.

Diné College released a statement reflecting on Roessel’s legacy: “He was a dedicated leader and advocate for Navajo education, remembered for his transformative contributions.” Under his direction, the institution shifted towards greater innovation and opportunities for students.

Established in 1968, Diné College has long served its Navajo student population from its Tsaile, Arizona campus. Roessel took the helm as president in 2017 and was pivotal in expanding the college from a two-year to a four-year institution.

“People didn’t just like Monty; they loved Monty,” said George Hardeen, communication director for the Navajo Nation President’s Office. Hardeen, who knew Roessel since 1984, described him as gentle and easygoing, attributes that endeared him to many.

Roessel’s contributions to Diné College were deeply personal; his father was the first president of the college. “He took his dad’s dream and expanded it by turning it into a four-year school,” Hardeen noted, emphasizing the legacy passed down through generations of leadership.

“Losing Monty is such a great loss, not only for Diné College or the community of Round Rock but for the entirety of the Navajo Nation,” Hardeen remarked. Roessel’s significant impact will be challenging to replicate.

During his presidency, Roessel initiated four new transdisciplinary schools, including programs in Diné Studies, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math, Arts and Humanities, and Business. He also helped establish the Navajo Sovereignty Institute and the Navajo Law Program.

Sen. Theresa Hatathlie, chair of the Diné College Board of Regents, highlighted Roessel’s transformative leadership, which expanded educational opportunities for students and interconnected those opportunities with the broader goals of the Navajo Nation. “He left an indelible impact on our institution,” Hatathlie stated.

The Navajo Nation Council and Office of the Navajo Nation President offered their condolences to Roessel’s family. “His leadership and dedication were pivotal in shaping educational opportunities for Navajo students,” said Navajo Nation Speaker Crystalyne Curley.

Roessel, originally from Round Rock, Arizona, held degrees from various institutions, including a doctorate in educational administration from Arizona State University. His career in education spanned multiple roles, from the director of community services to superintendent at Rough Rock Community School, where he was instrumental in establishing a Navajo language immersion program.

In a broader scope, Roessel’s role as the director of the Bureau of Indian Education from 2013 significantly impacted Indigenous education nationwide, overseeing 183 schools and emphasizing tribal sovereignty in educational reforms.

Hardeen recalled Roessel’s early career as a journalist, covering the Navajo Nation with the Navajo Times TODAY. “Those were the best days of the Navajo Times,” he said, reminiscing about Roessel’s leadership in showcasing Native American journalism.

Roessel’s family has requested privacy during this period of mourning. Further details regarding funeral arrangements will be disclosed as they become available.