Northland Pioneer College (NPC), in partnership with the Kayenta Township and the Arizona Commerce Authority, took another step forward Tuesday, February 24, with the toss of several shovelfuls of soil, in the official groundbreaking of NPC’s relocation and expansion project in Kayenta, AZ.
Gov. Katie Hobbs joined town and tribal leaders, NPC officials, and other dignitaries to celebrate the milestone. The groundbreaking marks a significant step forward in expanding educational opportunities and infrastructure in the region. The project will include the development of a two-building complex in Kayenta’s new industrial park, which is located near the Kayenta Alternative Rural Hospital and is adjacent to Highway 160.
The buildings will house new academic facilities for NPC, including in-person and connected classrooms, science and health labs, a computer lab, a small business development conference room, and a new location for the town’s library.
With the new facility, students will no longer need to travel to other NPC locations to complete a degree program. Additionally, by expanding the Kayenta Center’s community-centered services, NPC will continue to support the Kayenta community as a hub for those who need free and reliable access to computers, high-speed internet, and business services.
“Today’s groundbreaking represents a major milestone in expanding higher education access in rural Arizona,” said Governor Katie Hobbs. “By investing in facilities like the new Kayenta Center, we’re creating more education and career pathways for Arizonans in rural and Tribal communities that are vital to our state’s future.”
“We’re proud to partner with Northland Pioneer College on the expanded Kayenta Center—this groundbreaking reflects a shared commitment to strengthening rural Arizona’s economy and workforce,” said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. “We’re grateful to Governor Hobbs, Dr. Lawson and Northland Pioneer College, Kayenta Township, Dr. Nygren and Navajo Nation, along with all of the partners for their leadership and collaboration.”
“This project has the promise to strengthen and expand the local Township economy by developing homegrown talent aligned with the Township’s priorities, Navajo cultural values, and new jobs and new regional workforce needs, as the Township targets prospective employers and industry,” explained Kayenta Township Manager, Jarvis Williams, in a letter of commitment to NPC. “The project is a significant component of the long-term strategic plan of the Township, and the Township is fully committed to its success.”
To support development, the Kayenta Township has invested in critical infrastructure improvements in the new industrial park, including the construction of a new road, the installation of water and sewer lines, and the addition of broadband-ready utilities.
Over the past three years, particularly in response to the closures of the Black Mesa and Peabody Kayenta Coal Mines, NPC has partnered with local organizations and groups to support economic development in northeast Arizona and Kayenta.
In 2023, the Arizona Commerce Authority opened a grant opportunity for communities impacted by the cessation of the coal industry in rural Arizona. NPC applied for the $9 million dollar grant in collaboration with the Kayenta Township, the Kayenta Unified School District, Kayenta Health Services, and other stakeholders. In 2024, NPC was awarded the funding. NPC leadership then diligently worked with the Kayenta Township to finalize a lease agreement and move the project forward. On June 20, 2025, Navajo Nation President Dr. Buu Nygren signed the lease agreement in a ceremonial event at Kayenta’s Town Hall. On July 1, 2025, NPC hosted a development event and job fair to coordinate the construction activities and kick off the project. The event brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from NPC, the Kayenta Township, SPS+ Architects, Jones and DeMille Engineering, and CORE Construction.
NPC’s President, Dr. Von Lawson, applauded the collaborative efforts and thanked Governor Hobbs for her and the administration’s steadfast support of education, along with the Arizona Commerce Authority and Dr. Buu Nygren for making the groundbreaking a reality. He said, “Your belief in this vision has helped turn hope into reality.” He said, “When I look into the eyes of children and see that unmistakable spark, I see possibility. I see a dreamer. And today, those dreams are closer to becoming a reality. Today, we witness dreams taking shape. This is not our campus. It belongs to you. It was born from your vision and advocacy. It was born from your belief in what is possible. We are simply here to serve you. This is your campus. Built because you dreamed it. And it will open because you believed in it.” The project is anticipated to be completed by May 2027.
