No action on Diné College prez

T he Diné College Board of Regents took no action against college President Ferlin Clark at its regular meeting Wednesday, and declined to reveal the results of a closed-door discussion regarding his job evaluation.

"In process," newly elected board President Andrew Tah said curtly when Clark inquired about his status after the board reopened the meeting to the public.

Clark's contract expires next May, and there was speculation the board might not renew it after a former employee came forward with allegations that Clark had created a climate of fear at the college by firing or intimidating employees who disagreed with him.

Seven students, a parent and Prof. Wilson Aronilth attended the meeting in support of Clark, but only Aronilth was allowed to speak.

The long-time Diné studies professor invited the board to visit the college's classrooms before they passed judgment on Clark.

"If you're here every day, if you go to classes, there's something good going on," Aronilth said. "Come and visit us some time."

In his report to the board, Clark cited his accomplishments during his five-year tenure, including securing a 20-year funding commitment from the Navajo Nation, a $17.25 million compact with the state of Arizona, 10-year accreditation and the college's first bachelor's degree program.

But the students who came to speak in support of their president said that what they liked most about him was his hands-on approach.

"He takes time out of his busy day and talks to us," said student body Sen. Tanya Ben. "He eats lunch with us. He's like a father figure to us."

When students complained about the conditions in the family dorms, said student body Vice President Georgett Cook, Clark walked the halls himself.

"He saw the shortcomings and did the best he could to fix those areas," Cook said.

Former Miss Diné College Sharon Richards noted that Clark had been sitting in the college's hogan for four nights as part of a Hóchó'íjí (Protection Way) ceremony for the college.

"None of the board members came by," she said.

The students said they were outraged that they were not allowed to speak even after their representative on the board, student body President Desirea Vecenti, asked the board to allow them some time.

"It's like we're behind a glass wall in there," Cook said.

The students, some of whom have attended Diné College for three years, said they had never heard of Mia Kalish, the former employee who leveled allegations against Clark in last week's Navajo Times. Kalish was director of distance education until her position was eliminated last summer.

In other action at the meeting, the board approved revised by-laws that, among other things, eliminate the requirement for the board president to summarize what went on in executive session.

They also accepted a $4.2 million appropriation for the college from the Navajo Nation and approved a $19.9 million general fund budget, the largest ever according to Vice President of Administration and Finance Ron Belloli.

Back to top ^