Evolution of Northern Arizona University's new Center for Excellence in Education (the former College of Education) is traced and its interaction with the university, schools, and public agencies is illustrated through discussion of two special education training programs. An overview is provided of the numerous changes resulting from the reorganization and from the leadership changes needed to develop the Center; an organizational chart is included. The presentation centers on the partnerships and strategies developed through two special education training programs designed to prepare master's level special educators from rural areas in Arizona and New Mexico. Detailed descriptions of the two programs--the Navajo Special Education Teacher Development Program and the Rural Special Education Project--cover course descriptions, course meeting schedules, stipend options, and areas of certification. It is noted that 26 Navajo graduate students are currently completing courses through the combined field-based and on-campus program and that 11 graduate students from rural areas in Arizona and New Mexico have been funded through the Rural Special Education Project. One course--Bilingual Multicultural Aspects of Special Education--which was specifically developed upon request of the Navajo Tribe is discussed in detail. Commentaries from the Center's leaders are presented in the appendix. (CHG)