TSAILE, Ariz. (AP) 鈥 Charles 鈥淢onty鈥 Roessel, a former director of the federal Bureau of Indian Education and president of the first tribal college to be established in the United States, has died. He was 63.
Din茅 College announced that Roessel died Monday while surrounded by his family. The school did not provide any details on the cause of death.
Roessel had led the college since 2017 and was integral in helping it expand into a four-year institution. His administration also spearheaded programs including the development of a Navajo Nation tribal law program, which recently welcomed its first class of students.
Navajo Nation Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley called Roessel a tireless advocate for tribal education and a visionary leader.
鈥淗is leadership and dedication were pivotal in shaping educational opportunities for Navajo students, and his efforts have left an indelible mark on the future of our people,鈥 she said in a statement.
Roessel came from a family of educators. His parents helped to establish the Rough Rock Community School on the Navajo Nation and they played key roles in creating Navajo Community College, what is now Din茅 College, in 1968.
A graduate of Chinle High School, Roessel earned a bachelor鈥檚 degree in photo communications from the University of Northern Colorado and went on to receive a master鈥檚 degree from Prescott College. He spent a few years working as a journalist, photographer and editor for various publications, including the Navajo Times Today.
He earned a doctorate in educational administration and supervision from Arizona State University and followed in his parents' footsteps, going to work at the Rough Rock Community School in 1998. He served as its executive director and superintendent before becoming an associate deputy director with the BIE in 2011. Two years later, he was appointed director of the bureau and oversaw nearly 200 schools serving Native American children in some 20 states.
in 2016 after the U.S. Interior Department鈥檚 Office of Inspector General found that he had used his influence to obtain jobs for a close relative and a woman with whom he had a romantic relationship. He took the helm at Din茅 College several months later.
In March 2024, the American Indian College Fund named Roessel as its tribal college president honoree for the year 鈥 an award granted to those who have made positive and lasting impacts on the tribal college movement.
Navajo Council Delegate Carl Slater, one of Roessel's nephews, said his uncle was a man of integrity.
鈥淗e dedicated his life to advancing the cause of our Din茅 and demonstrated his immense love for our learners, no matter their background,鈥 Slater said in a statement. "His children and family, who live his legacy each day, were his life鈥檚 greatest pride. His loss, while painful, is a challenge for each of us to serve, in our own ways, our Dine, families, clans, and communities.鈥
