A New Chapter in Monument Valley

In the heart of Monument Valley, where red cliffs rise against the desert sky, a new opportunity for education is taking shape. Utah State University’s (USU) upcoming Academic Building is more than a 12,867 sq ft facility; it is a bridge between heritage and progress. For Big-D Construction, it is also a chance to demonstrate what it means to build with respect, collaboration, and purpose within Native American land.  

Monument Valley is among the most remote regions in Utah, yet it stands at the center of a bold effort to expand access to higher education. The new USU Academic Building will serve as a hub for learning, bringing Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in nursing, technology, and skilled trades directly to the Navajo Nation.  

For Kristian Olsen, Vice President of Statewide Residential Campuses at USU, the project reflects the university’s mission to serve rural and Indigenous communities.  

“Every state has a land-grant university, and one of the key components of that mission is to provide access to education,” Olsen said. “Monument Valley may be the most rural part of Utah, and this project fulfills that purpose by bringing high-quality education closer to home for people who have often been overlooked.”  

That vision guided every discussion between USU, the Navajo Nation, and Big-D Construction. Together, they approached the project not as an institution being built for a community, but as one being built with a community. The process centered on mutual respect, cultural awareness, and the goal of ensuring the building felt deeply connected to its surroundings.  

“We didn’t want a building that could be anywhere in Utah,” Olsen said. “We wanted one that belongs to Monument Valley.” 

Design details reflect that intent. The building is oriented east, an important cultural direction in Navajo tradition, and incorporates color tones and materials that honor the surrounding sandstone landscape. 

“Our team approached this project with a commitment to cultural respect, community engagement, and sensitivity to the land and traditions that make Monument Valley so meaningful,” said Heber Slabbert, Partner and Principal Architect for ajc architects. 

From early concept through preconstruction, USU, ajc architects, and Big-D collaborated with Navajo leaders to make sure the structure represented the culture and the people it would serve. 

For Big-D Construction, the project represents more than technical expertise; it reflects a philosophy of how to build in a way that strengthens relationships.  

“Big-D has listened and been patient,” Olsen said. “They’ve honored community feedback, respected local customs, and worked to hire local labor whenever possible. That’s not always easy in a remote area, but they’ve gone out of their way to make it happen.” 

That approach resonated with local leaders. Donald Mose, USU Monument Valley Site Supervisor and member of the Navajo Nation, described the project as a defining moment for his community.  

“There hasn’t been a facility of this caliber here before,” Mose said. “To see it rise on Navajo land, it’s something our people are proud of. It will change lives.” 

On site, Big-D Senior Superintendent, Mat Hess, has overseen daily operations with equal attention to craft and culture.  

“This project has been a great collaboration between Big-D, the Navajo Nation, and USU,” Hess said. “Before we started, tribal leaders came to bless the site, and the tribe’s medicine man offered a prayer. That moment set the tone for everything that followed. From that day on, we knew this was more than a construction project; it was a partnership built on trust.” 

Hess noted that every design choice from ajc that Big-D constructed connects the structure to its environment.

“The exterior façade is sandstone to match the surrounding cliffs and monuments,” Hess said. “We oriented the building so that the large windows capture those views. When students look out from a classroom, they’ll see the awe-inspiring landmarks.”

Working in Monument Valley comes with challenges, from supply logistics to climate, but Hess said the reward has outweighed them all.  

“It’s been a difficult setting, but an incredible experience,” he said. “To bring this to life for the community and for future students, it’s something we’re proud to deliver.”  

Willis Begay, Navajo Nation Olijato Chapter President, shares that pride.  

“This is a good opportunity for students and families who can’t travel far for school,” he said. “It saves money, keeps them close to home, and gives them access to the same opportunities as anyone else. I think this is just the beginning; one day we could have dorms and a whole campus here.”  

Big-D’s teams also worked closely with USU to integrate sustainable design features that support long-term community growth. The facility aims to achieve LEED Silver certification at completion, underscoring a shared commitment to sustainability and longevity. Inside, the building will include classrooms, labs, offices, and student commons, hosting programs in healthcare, computer science, and technical trades. 

As the walls rise, so does community pride. For many, the new academic building represents a long-awaited step forward. Christine Rock, a USU student, Navajo Nation member, and local teacher, sees firsthand what it means for the next generation.  

“As a nontraditional student, I’m thankful to have a school nearby,” Rock said. “Not all students are able or willing to leave home for education. This facility means our youth can learn here, surrounded by family and community, and still chase their dreams.”  

Twyla Madisen, Navajo Nation Oljato Chapter Secretary/Treasurer, believes the facility will help connect generations through learning.  

“I’m excited that elders can come here to share their stories and traditions,” she said. “Education strengthens our children by giving them opportunities and helping them preserve their ideas. Without that, what’s the purpose of the future?”  

For others, it’s deeply personal.  

“Growing up here, we’ve struggled with addiction, family issues, and limited opportunity,” Mose said. “As this building rises, doors are opening for our people. I hope our youth take pride in it and use it to improve their lives.” 

Together, these voices tell a story that reaches far beyond the boundaries of a single project. The new USU Monument Valley Academic Building stands as a beacon for what’s possible when institutions, builders, and communities come together, when listening and learning drive design as much as engineering and construction.  

As completion approaches, the facility stands as a testament to the collaboration between USU, the Navajo Nation, and the project team on the ground. It is a reminder that when people come together with a shared purpose, the result can be something truly meaningful for generations to come.

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