Rima and I are truly thankful to be part of this incredible community and proud to call ourselves Lumberjacks. Every day, we witness your passion for Flagstaff and the greater Northern Arizona region. Your dedication to making this a remarkable place to live and work inspires us and motivates our work at NAU. A shared vision for a better future inspired Flagstaff’s community members more than 125 years ago to establish a place for higher education. Since then, the partnership, collaboration and … [Read more...] about NAU Prioritizing Community Engagement
José Luis Cruz Rivera
Transformative Initiatives are Defining the New NAU
As we settle into the fall semester, I am deeply honored to have the privilege of serving as the president of Northern Arizona University during this pivotal time in our university’s history, and to be part of this wonderful community in Flagstaff. This year, we celebrate 125 years of impact and excellence at NAU. Our legacy was born out of the hearts and minds of the leaders of Flagstaff, who understood in 1899 the critical role that education would play in a thriving community and economy for … [Read more...] about Transformative Initiatives are Defining the New NAU
NAU Names Brian Wright to Lead Lumberjack Football
Northern Arizona University’s President José Luis Cruz Rivera and Intercollegiate Athletics Vice President Mike Marlow have formally introduced Brian Wright as the school’s 31st head football coach. Wright joins NAU’s program after spending four years at Division II Pittsburg State University in Kansas. There, he led the Gorillas to a 23-3 record across two seasons, winning consecutive Mid-American Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MIAA) titles. He also was named the 2022 MIAA Conference … [Read more...] about NAU Names Brian Wright to Lead Lumberjack Football
NAU Launches College of Medicine to Address State’s Physician Shortage
NAU is taking a new step in our university’s journey to educate and serve the people of this region and the entire state of Arizona with the recent launch of NAU Health. NAU Health, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for all Arizonans, particularly those in rural, Indigenous and underserved communities, will create a national model for medical education and double degrees awarded in high-demand healthcare programs. Our entire state faces a critical need for more … [Read more...] about NAU Launches College of Medicine to Address State’s Physician Shortage
Microsoft Giant Becomes a Lumberjack
Although he may not go to work with an axe, computer software and hardware giant Bill Gates will forevermore be known as a Lumberjack. The Microsoft co-founder delivered a rare commencement address at Northern Arizona University on Saturday, May 13 and received his honorary doctorate. “I cannot wait to see how you will drive progress around the world,” Gates said to a Skydome full of excitement and regalia. Now retired from his global company, Gates left college after three semesters at … [Read more...] about Microsoft Giant Becomes a Lumberjack
Celebrating Spring Highlights from NAU
As another exceptional academic year comes to a close, more than 5,200 students are poised to graduate from NAU and enter into lives as engaged citizens, taking what they have learned to shape a brighter future. I want to offer my heartfelt thanks to you, the residents, businesses, partners and alumni in our Flagstaff and Northern Arizona communities whose support and community have helped power our students’ success in this truly magical college town. Thank you for being a community that … [Read more...] about Celebrating Spring Highlights from NAU
Boosting Education with a New Kind of Postsecondary Ecosystem
I am thrilled to tell you about NAU’s next step in our efforts to be a preeminent engine of opportunity for the people of Flagstaff, Coconino County and the State of Arizona. Last month, we announced a new, first-of-its-kind partnership with all 10 community college districts across the state and the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) to launch the Arizona Attainment Alliance (A++). This unique partnership aims to harness the collective impact of distinct institutions that together serve more … [Read more...] about Boosting Education with a New Kind of Postsecondary Ecosystem
NAU Marks a Year of Achievements and It’s Just Getting Started
Thank you for being so welcoming as NAU students, faculty and staff begin a new academic year. Last year – my first as NAU President and a member of the Flagstaff community – we had so much to celebrate, including tremendous accomplishments at NAU that advance educational access, equity and attainment, as well as building relationships and partnerships within our amazing home community. Indeed, here are just a few of the highlights that speak to the value NAU provides and demonstrate a … [Read more...] about NAU Marks a Year of Achievements and It’s Just Getting Started
NAU Working on Mutually Beneficial Community Engagement
NAU is also on a bold mission to expand access to higher education and close achievement gaps throughout our state.In this, my inaugural column, I want to tell you what a privilege it is to serve as president of NAU and live every day in this beautiful community. Since my arrival nearly a year ago, I have learned that NAU has a strong foundation, a community that embraces the value of higher education, an incredible alumni network, and dedicated faculty and staff. I am thrilled by the … [Read more...] about NAU Working on Mutually Beneficial Community Engagement
NAU Names Kitt School of Music
The year 2021 ended on a sweet note for Northern Arizona University, with a donation from longtime supporters Michael and Karen Kitt that has led to the naming of the Kitt School of Music. NAU also created the Michael and Karen Kitt Directorship within the College of Arts and Letters. This is the largest-ever donation for the college and will be used to enhance its music education experience, as well its connection to the Northern Arizona community. The gift will specifically support the … [Read more...] about NAU Names Kitt School of Music
