The dean of instruction serves as UNM-Gallup's chief academic officer with overall responsibility for leadership and administration of the branch campus’ instructional faculty, programs and facilities.

Approximately 60 full-time and 60 part-time faculty are fully engaged in teaching, scholarly work and service at the branch. The dean works closely with faculty leaders to ensure excellence in the academic programs and support for faculty professional activities.

The dean is a member of the UNM-Gallup Executive Team, supporting the overall governance of the campus under the chancellor's leadership.

About the Dean

Joe Kee was appointed as the interim dean of instruction for UNM-Gallup on July 1, 2026.

Kee is an associate professor of Navajo language and government. Previously, he served a term as the chair of the formerly known Fine Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Division.

Kee has been working at UNM-Gallup since 2009. He became an associate professor and earned tenure in 2015.

From 2013 to 2021, Kee was instrumental in translating and dubbing franchise movies into the Navajo language, including “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope,” “Finding Nemo,” and “A Fistful of Dollars.”

Originally from Steamboat, Arizona, Kee’s Navajo heritage is central to his identity and work. His clans are Tsi’naajinii (Black Streak Wood People) born for Naakai Dine’e (Mexican Clan), with his maternal grandfather’s clan being Tótsohnii (Big Water) and his paternal grandfather’s clan being Ma’iideeshgiizhnii (Coyote Pass Jemez).