November marks Native American Heritage Month, a time to honor and celebrate the history and culture of Indigenous peoples and recognize their strength, resilience and profound contributions. At Utah State University’s Blanding campus, we are reminded daily of the legacy of Native American communities. Our student body reflects the diverse cultural heritage of the Four Corners area, with Native American students making up over half of our student body.
USU Blanding was founded with the land-grant vision to provide world-class education to all who live in this unique region in Utah, from Indigenous people, including the Navajo and Ute Mountain Ute people who have called this area home for generations, to descendants of more recent pioneer settlers. The USU Blanding campus stands as a beacon of opportunity in a place rich with history, and our commitment to education is deeply rooted in the belief that every individual, regardless of where they live, deserves access to education that empowers and uplifts lives.
This commitment is taking on new dimensions with the construction of a university building in Monument Valley, a project that represents a powerful collaboration between private donors, the state of Utah and the Navajo Nation. This is believed to be the first higher education building within tribal lands in Utah — an extraordinary milestone that symbolizes the coming together of tradition and innovation. It is also a reflection of the shared belief in the transformative power of education and its potential to shape lives, communities and futures.
The Navajo Nation has a rich history of embracing education, seeing it as not just a path to personal success, but as a vehicle for preserving culture and promoting the well-being of entire communities. This belief is evident in the students who attend USU Blanding. They are remarkable individuals with personal stories that broaden our understanding of the world. Their experiences, wisdom and perspectives have the power to teach us all, reminding us of the beauty, resilience and potential inherent in every human being.
As a university system, USU serves more Native American students than any other public university in the state because of our long-standing commitment to creating access through our 32 education locations across Utah. We provide career-ready education employment opportunities for our statewide students that align with our Native American area tribes. The Utah State Promise covers tuition and fees for students who qualify for a federal Pell Grant, and the Native American Scholarship provides access to education for members of Utah’s eight recognized tribes, ensuring that higher education is accessible to all Native American students whose ancestral ties to this land stretch back for centuries.
One of the most joyous and meaningful moments for our campus community each year is commencement. It is a time of celebration that brings together families from across the Four Corners area to honor the achievements of their sons, daughters, grandchildren, siblings and friends. The ceremony itself is a vibrant and colorful event, with many students donning traditional regalia as a powerful expression of both personal accomplishment and cultural pride. The energy in the room is palpable — a beautiful mixture of joy, pride and hope for the future. It is a reminder of the deep connections between education, family and community in Native American cultures.
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month, we reflect on the incredible journey we’ve been privileged to be a part of — supporting Native American students as they pursue their dreams and chart paths that will lead them to make profound contributions to their communities and beyond. Our work is far from done, but this moment serves as a reminder of the progress that has been made and the bright future ahead. We stand ready to continue this journey, hand in hand with the Native American communities that have shaped this land and will continue to shape the future.
(Utah State University) Kristian Olsen is the senior associate vice president of USU Blanding and Moab.
Kristian Olsen is the senior associate vice president of USU Blanding and Moab.
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