Dean of Students

Yolanda Benally originally began her professional career at San Juan College in 2008 where she served as an advisor for the TRIO Educational Talent Search program before being promoted to Director. After a brief relocation, she returned in 2019 as an advisor and director for the TRIO Student Support Services and STEM-H programs in addition to teaching an FYEX course. She has worked much of her career with federal grants; TRIO and GEAR UP programs.  Ms. Benally has valuable experience in grant writing and management, budget management, community resource networking, and student advising and development. She has since been promoted to the Dean of Students.  

Ms. Benally earned a Masters of Criminal Justice and a Masters of Public Administration as well as baccalaureate degrees in criminal justice and government from New Mexico State University. Additionally, she holds an Alternative Licensure Program Certificate from San Juan College.   

In addition to overseeing the issues and processes related to SJC’s Student Code of Conduct, she supervises the Native American Center, Herencia Latina Center, Housing & Residential Life, and the support grants housed in Student Services: TRIO Student Support Services & SSS STEM-H, TRIO Educational Opportunity Center, TRIO Upward Bound, and NASNTI Native S.O.A.R.