The University of Utah has opened the Native Ascent House, a living-learning community on Officer’s Circle. The facility is designed to foster academic success, cultural connection, leadership development, and a sense of belonging for students.
The development of the Native Ascent House is the result of nearly four years of intentional program development. According to Tashina Barber, program manager in the Center for Native Excellence & Tribal Engagement, the project grew from a small student cohort focused on community-building into a residential community.
Developed in partnership with the University of Utah’s Living-Learning Programs, the house began welcoming residents in August. Its location near the Center for Native Excellence & Tribal Engagement allows students to maintain close connections to center staff, resources, and culturally grounded programs.
The living-learning community provides a shared residential environment intended to offer peer support, individualized academic support, and leadership opportunities. The program aims to support academic persistence and personal well-being through academic and social programming.
Native Ascent Scholar Cliftene Duncan stated that the program has been a vital part of his success as a Native student, providing opportunities to volunteer and build community while staying connected to his Indigenous background. Tefler Holiday, a third-year Native Ascent Scholar, noted that the program has allowed him to establish a larger community and meet people from many different backgrounds.
The Native Ascent House serves as a gathering place for students to share cultures and build relationships across the broader Native community. A ribbon cutting and open house was held on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026, to introduce the facility to the campus community.
