SANTA FE, N.M. - University presidents from New Mexico State University, Dine' College and Navajo Technical College signed a memorandum of agreement in support of Tribal Extension programs before members of the Navajo Nation Council during a Santa Fe luncheon hosted by Sen. Lynda Lovejoy, D-McKinley County, Feb. 13.

The memorandum of agreement, signed by NMSU President Michael Martin, Dine' College President Ferlin Clark and Navajo Technical College President Elmer Guy, formalized the partnership between the three land-grant institutions to provide Cooperative Extension programs in agriculture, 4-H and youth development, and family and consumer science.

In 2007, New Mexico legislators Rep. Ray Begaye, D-San Juan County, and Lovejoy secured state appropriations for NMSU Cooperative Extension to support Tribal Extension programs in New Mexico. NMSU Cooperative Extension will partner with existing Navajo Technical College and Dine' College extension programs to increase the capacity of all three institutions to provide educational programs to the individuals and families on the Navajo Nation.

The three higher education leaders agree that the MOA supports the overall education mission of all of their institutions.

''This is a great start. It is part of a long-term growth of joint programs,'' Martin said. ''As a land-grant university, we are very proud to formalize our relationship with the two land-grant colleges in our state. We see nothing but good things coming from this partnership,'' he continued.

Guy said Navajo Technical College is ''no stranger to NMSU. We've been working with them with agriculture programs such as our veterinarian technician program and developing an animal science program. The Tribal Extension program is right in light with our goals at Navajo Technical College. It will strengthen what we are doing.''

Clark added that the Tribal Extension program will open the door to teaching tribal traditions and indigenous knowledge.

''Through our colleges and our leadership, we can go back to teachings about our Mother Earth and the lessons from the air, the universe, the water and the natural fire,'' Clark said.