Crownpoint, NM – Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez selected five members to the Board of Education (NNBE) to serve six-year terms beginning in 2020. Among those chosen for the board is Navajo Technical University Dean of Graduate Studies Dr. Henry Fowler who was appointed to represent as the Diné culture and language specialist.
The board has eleven members with six representing from each Navajo nation agency and the remaining five being appointed by the president of the Navajo nation. The Health, Education and Human Service Committee (HEHSC) have confirmed the positions and will finalize their appointment on the board after being sworn in by the District judge.
“My passion has always been in education. I became an educator in 1996 at Red Mesa High School and have since been teaching mathematics, including Navajo language and culture,” said Dr. Henry Fowler in discussing his role as a member of the NNBE. “For those of us that have been recently appointed and confirmed to the board now have a tremendous responsibility to strengthen the education system through our leadership.”
Dr. Fowler came to Navajo Technical University in the fall semester of 2018 as a faculty member teaching mathematics and Diné studies. In June 2019, he was delegated as the Dean of Graduate studies at NTU after the retirement of then Dean Dr. Wesley Thomas. Each year, Dr. Fowler presents the Navajo Math Circles for students ages 11-18, a two-week mathematics learning camp that brings together Navajo culture with math. He is the co-founder and co-chair of the summer camp that aims to increase enthusiasm for the often-challenging subject to Navajo students.
Originally from Tonalea, AZ, Dr. Fowler has been influential in helping students on the Navajo nation to become fluent with math while integrating the traditional aspects. His clans are Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water Clan) born for Tóbaahi Náneesht’ézhí (Zuni Edgewater clan). His maternal grandparents are Tł’ízí lání (Manygoats clan) and his paternal grandparents are Táchii’nii (Red running into the water clan). He earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in math from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and an Educational doctorate from Felding University.
According to the education codes Title X, each of the members are required to serve in their positions for six years. The selection process begins with the appointee being sponsored by a council delegate and a confirmation vote from the HEHSC. Four of the five appointees by President Nez were confirmed by HEHSC and were sponsored by Navajo Nation Council Delegate Daniel Tso, who is the HESHC Chairman.
To learn more about NTU’s Master’s degree program in Diné Culture, Language, and Leadership at or the Navajo Math Circles contact, Dr. Henry Fowler at hfowler@navajotech.edu.