Superintendent of Schools

“I’m very excited to be able to join our Navajo Nation staff to address the great developments, ongoing programs, and the challenges that are out there for our schools in all different areas. I am glad to be part of the leadership team at DODE.”

Previously, Dr. Begay has served as an elected public school board member and amassed experience in K-12 educational leadership as a Federal Projects Director, Business Manager, K-12 principal, Human Resource Director, school construction, Assistant, Associate, and Superintendent over a span of over 28 years.

Dr. Begay was born on the Navajo Nation and learned to bridge two cultures as a youth raised in traditional Diné culture while obtaining a modern Western education. After graduating from Tuba City High School, he attended Arizona State University for one year before enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, where he served in the Tet Offensive of 1968 in Vietnam.

After serving in the USMC, Dr. Begay was an Iron Worker before finishing his college education. He earned a B.A. in psychology and an M.A. in counseling and secondary education from Northern Arizona University. He finished in 1986 with a Ph.D. in school finance and education administration from the University of Arizona.

In addition to being a published author with contributions to books on education and the teaching of Navajo children, Dr. Begay worked to convert BIE-operated schools to BIE-funded 297 schools or to state-funded or Impact Aid charter schools including Greyhills Academy High School, Shonto Prep School, Lukachukai Community School, and Nazlini Community School.