I’m grateful for the opportunity to provide an NAU update. Our students, faculty and staff – as well as NAU’s surrounding communities – have embraced the current reality and used their strong leadership, creativity and fortitude to make their way through the coronavirus pandemic and the challenges and opportunities it has brought. Many of our students are now navigating online summer classes, recognizing the importance of the long-term picture of pursuing a college education. Making … [Read more...] about Research, Classes, Community Engagement Going Strong
Rita Hartung Cheng
NAU is No. 75 in National Research Ranking
For the first time in its 120-year history, Northern Arizona University broke through the country’s top 200 research universities, reaching No. 196 in the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) research rankings for all universities in the country and No. 144 among all public universities. It also rose to No. 93 among all universities without a medical school, and No. 75 among public universities without a medical school, taking into account research expenditures. The NSF’s Higher Education … [Read more...] about NAU is No. 75 in National Research Ranking
Developing a Workforce for the New Economy; Spurring Economic Development in Arizona
As the holiday season approaches, we look forward to spending time with family and friends. The Northern Arizona University community also looks forward to starting a new calendar year, filled with hopes, dreams and aspirations. A brand-new semester provides an opportunity to meet new people and reunite with others on our campuses. Along with our partners from the other state universities, we also look forward to hearing how higher education funding will fare with the governor and … [Read more...] about Developing a Workforce for the New Economy; Spurring Economic Development in Arizona
NAU Encouraging Students to Bring Their Aspirations
Twice a year – in the fall and spring – I share an update on the current health and future outlook of Northern Arizona University with students, faculty and staff, the local community, our Regents, supporters and stakeholders. At our Fall Campus Forum, I reported that NAU’s future is bright. Our retention numbers are strong – up 4 percentage points (77.6%, from 73.5% last fall). We have a plan in place to focus recruitment on areas of growth and are strengthening programs to ensure we sustain … [Read more...] about NAU Encouraging Students to Bring Their Aspirations
NAU Undergraduate Research Tackling Critical Issues
Northern Arizona University undergraduate Chris Keefe combines his passion for biology and computer science to tackle the sixth leading cause of death in the United States – Alzheimer’s disease. He uses microbiome bioinformatics and develops computer software to investigate connections between disease symptoms and bacteria that live in mice intestines. Chris is one of thousands of undergraduate students at NAU working with faculty on a wide range of research projects in all disciplines. … [Read more...] about NAU Undergraduate Research Tackling Critical Issues
Summertime is Full of Activity at NAU
It’s finally summer in the high country! Our Northern Arizona University commencement festivities in May kicked off the season with pomp and ceremony. Commencement brings out the best in all of us, and we are grateful to our community for welcoming so many visitors who came to celebrate the more than 4,900 graduates. As we send our new alumni into their professional lives, those of us on campus turn our attention to the busy days of summer season. There are those who believe colleges are a … [Read more...] about Summertime is Full of Activity at NAU
NAU Supporting Arizona’s Economy, Possibilities
Everywhere I look on the beautiful Northern Arizona University campus these days, I am reminded of change and its inherent potential. Flagstaff is transforming from a winter wonderland to a spring that calls us to spend every possible moment outdoors. This spring, more than 4,900 students are celebrating their commencement and the bright future awaiting them. As our state continues to recover from a challenging economic recession, we are also involved in discussions around long-term decisions … [Read more...] about NAU Supporting Arizona’s Economy, Possibilities
