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Shynowah Bahe, seen in this Feb. 25, 2025, photo, is the new director of the Native American Student Success Center at The University of New Mexico-Gallup.

91�Թ� opens new Native American Student Success Center

Categories: Students   Faculty   Staff   Community  

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New director building program to be a student-centered space where all are welcome

By Richard Reyes, Friday, February 28, 2025

GALLUP, N.M. — The University of New Mexico-Gallup opened a new Native American Student Success Center and hired a director who wants to turn it into a student-centered space where Lobos can build community together.

Shynowah Bahe was hired as the director of the Native American Student Success Center on Nov. 12, 2024, and has been tasked with building the program from the ground up.

"My hope is just for students to feel a part of the community and part of the space," Bahe said

Bahe wants the center to be a place where students can hang out, access computers, grab a snack, get coffee or tea, and more.

Some of her ideas for events include a friendship prayer circle, semester kickoff breakfasts, positive affirmations with elders or alumni, a speaker series, and a Native American graduation ceremony.

Bahe wants to ensure it’s a student-centered space, however, so she plans to host a town hall for students to get feedback on what they’re looking for. She also hopes to hire student employees eventually to help organize activities.

The center is currently located inside Gurley Hall in the former Student Veterans Association space next door to TRIO/Student Support Services and the Student Resource Center.

Bringing people together from different backgrounds

91�Թ� established the center in the Fall 2024 semester after receiving a five-year, $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution program.

91�Թ� was designated as a Native American Serving Non-Tribal Institution in 2023.

As of the Spring 2025 semester, students who identify as American Indian and Native Hawaiian make up approximately 68% of 91�Թ�’s student campus headcount.

Bahe herself brings a wealth of knowledge to 91�Թ� thanks to her experience working in the Office of Indigenous Student Success at Northern Arizona University.

She worked as the manager of student development and oversaw Indigenous peer mentors who helped organize 400 events throughout the academic year, including resume workshops, FAFSA filing nights, dodge ball games, and more.

Bahe hopes to bring a similar philosophy and mission to the Native American Student Success Center at 91�Թ� with a focus on respect, responsibility, resilience and relationships.

“I tell students, ‘I have a job because of you, so how can I help you get through this process of college and what services can I provide and what services are you looking for to help you get through, whether it's self-care or something else?’” Bahe said. “Especially with a place such as this one, I think it's important to ask those questions to our students.”

“Why I do what I do”

Bahe is originally from Woodsprings, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation and currently resides there.

Part of the reason why she accepted the director position at 91�Թ� was to be closer to home in order to help her parents and be more immersed in the Navajo language.

Bahe is Kinyaa'áanii (Towering House Clan), born for Yé'ii Dine'é Kiss'áanii (Kachina Clan - Hopi). Her maternal grandfather is Deeshchii'nii (Start of the Red Streak People Clan), and her paternal grandfather is Tábąąhá (Water's Edge Clan).

She served in the U.S. Air Force for 12 years, and she was discharged as a technical sergeant in 2011.

The military is where her sense of service and passion for helping students came from.

“I just want to see them successful,” she said. “I want them to get where they're trying to go. With what Indigenous people have been through, you just want that for them. That's what really pushes me.”

Bahe holds an Associate of Applied Science in criminal justice from the Community College of the Airforce and a Bachelor of Science in sociology from the University of Oregon with minors in ethnic studies and Native American studies.

She is currently in the process of applying to graduate school to study data science.

Her educational journey was inspired by her parents, both of whom hold master’s degrees. Having such a strong support system growing up made her want to pay it forward through her work.

“I want to be a good ‘auntie’ who advocates for them and talks to them and makes them aware of opportunities that are out there for them,” Bahe said. “That’s why I do what I do.”

Shynowah Bahe, seen in this Feb. 25, 2025, photo, is the new director of the Native American Student Success Center at The University of New Mexico-Gallup.