From left, Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley, Jeffery Tsosie, Alyson Tsosie, Karessa Kee, UNM-Gallup 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 UNM-Gallup's first Navajo dean
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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 鶹Ƶ-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 UNM-Gallup Interim Dean of Instruction Joe Kee with a certificate for his recent appointment as the top academic official for the branch campus.
“We congratulate you, and we’ll be behind you, supporting you,” Curley said. “Thank you for all that you do.”
Curley said this is a historic milestone and a prestigious title, as Kee is the first Navajo person to serve as dean of instruction for UNM-Gallup.
Curley added that having a familiar face, like Kee's, in high positions at universities makes Navajo students feel welcome and encourages them to do more.
Karessa Kee and Joe Kee pose for photo in the Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, Arizona, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
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.
“As dean, my work has already begun, and I enjoy the academic unit that I have been bestowed the responsibilities at 鶹Ƶ-Gallup branch campus,” he said. “I enjoy it because children are very scared, and I think that they will one day lead us, but we first have to help in taking care of that seed that we’ve planted.”
Kee also highlighted a quote from the historic Navajo headman Chief Manuelito, saying, “Education is the ladder.”
UNM-Gallup Interim Dean of Instruction Joe Kee receives a certificate of recognition inthe Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, Arizona, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
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 UNM-Gallup, 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.”
During the month of July, Kee engaged in outreach across campus to ensure a smooth and welcoming start of the new academic year for new and returning students and faculty. He also serves on the chancellor’s executive team, allowing him to be involved in supporting UNM-Gallup's growth and success.
Kee’s primary goals as interim dean are to support student success, meet the education and workforce needs of the community, and create clear transitions into higher education from local schools and neighboring communities.
UNM-Gallup Interim Dean of Instruction Joe Kee gives a speech during his recognition ceremony inthe Navajo Nation Council Chambers in Window Rock, Arizona, on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.
He also emphasized the importance of strengthening UNM-Gallup's collaboration with local schools, tribal communities, and local organizations.
“UNM-Gallup 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 UNM-Gallup 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.
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