In a first for the University of Utah, the state of Utah and the surrounding region, the Center for Native Excellence & Tribal Engagement welcomes students to the Native Ascent House, a living-learning community on Officer’s Circle designed to foster academic success, cultural connection, leadership development and a strong sense of belonging.

A ribbon cutting and open house will be held on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at Officer’s Circle, House 608 to introduce the house to the campus community.

The Native Ascent House represents the culmination of nearly four years of intentional program development. What began as a small student cohort centered on cultural connection, leadership and community-building has grown into another example of President Randall’s vision of College Town Magic™ where students can experience a culturally grounded community centered on connection, learning and engagement. Through academic and social programming, residents will have opportunities to strengthen their sense of belonging, support academic excellence, develop personally and professionally and participate in service-learning across the U and broader community.

“Working alongside our students and helping create or build the Native Ascent House has been one of the most meaningful parts of this journey,” said Tashina Barber, program manager in the Center for Native Excellence & Tribal Engagement (NETE), who oversees the Native Ascent Scholars Program, where she has guided the program’s growth and development.

“This living-learning community reflects what can be created when students’ experiences, culture and aspirations are placed at the center of our work. The inaugural residents have already played an important role in shaping what this house will become, not only for themselves but for future generations of Native Ascent students. I’m grateful to our students, the NETE team, university leadership, donors and housing partners whose collective support brought this vision to life.”

Building connections that support student success

For students already participating in Native Ascent, the program has become a community of peers, staff members, mentors and supporters who understand the importance of remaining connected to their cultures while pursuing a college education.

“The Native Ascent has been a vital part of my success as a Native student at the University of Utah,” said Cliftene Duncan, a second-year Native Ascent Scholar. “It’s allowed me to move through my college journey and has also given me opportunities to participate and volunteer at events that build community and life skills while keeping students connected to their Indigenous backgrounds. The relationships between students and staff help paved the way for educational success, and I’m grateful that resources like these are available for students who want to remain connected to their culture while pursuing their dreams away from home.”

Tefler Holiday, a third-year Native Ascent Scholar, explained that the relationships he has developed through the program have been particularly important. “The most meaningful part of my experience has been connecting with people,” he said. “It goes beyond making friends within the scholarship cohort. Through the events I attend, I’ve been able to establish a larger community and meet people from many different backgrounds.”

The experiences of Native Ascent Scholars helped inform the design of the new living-learning community. As a shared residential environment, the Native Ascent House will create additional opportunities for peer support, shared experiences, individualized academic support, leadership opportunities and day-to-day connections that strengthen academic persistence and personal well-being.

Developed in partnership with the University of Utah’s Living-Learning Programs, the Native Ascent House began welcoming residents in August. The house’s proximity to the Center for Native Excellence & Tribal Engagement just a few doors away allows students to remain closely connected to the center’s staff, resources, events and culturally grounded programs.

The community is designed around a holistic understanding of student success that includes academic achievement as well as meaningful relationships, cultural affirmation, opportunities for self-discovery and spaces where students can bring their authentic selves.

Additionally, the Native Ascent House serves as a gathering place where students can learn from one another, share their cultures, build lasting relationships and strengthen connections across the broader Native community.

 

• Heather King Associate Communications Director, University of Utah
  (801) 556-8501‬ heather.king@utah.edu