I am thrilled to share a moment of immense pride for Northern Arizona University. Our very own Lumberjack Marching Band made history this Thanksgiving as the first university from Arizona ever to perform in the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. With approximately 260 passionate performers, many of whom are not even music majors, our students marched 2.5 miles through the heart of New York City, captivating millions of spectators and viewers across the nation. Chosen from more than 100 … [Read more...] about A Historic Moment for NAU in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade
José Luis Cruz Rivera
Downtown Flagstaff Dons Blue and Gold as NAU Celebrates Grads, Community Champions
The days before, during and after commencement are always inspiring and joyful and local businesses have always joined in the celebration. But this spring, something extra special happened in downtown Flagstaff. As approximately 5,700 graduates prepared to celebrate with thousands of friends and family, a large “Congrats Jacks” banner was up on display in Heritage Square and blue and gold ribbons and streamers adorned light poles throughout the vibrant downtown district. Thank you, Flagstaff … [Read more...] about Downtown Flagstaff Dons Blue and Gold as NAU Celebrates Grads, Community Champions
NAU Prioritizing Community Engagement
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
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
