PRESIDENT’S REPORT
2014
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Table of Contents Message From the President . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Board/Leadership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 125th Anniversary of Seminary Hall May 7, 2014 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Our Indian Nation Partners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Community Impact
Touching Lives Beyond Campus. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Inside the Numbers
Demographics & Enrollment Data. .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Student Focus. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 NSU Highlights
Accomplishments, Awards and Recognitions.
. . . . . . . . . 16
The Colleges of NSU . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Financial Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Northeastern State University was founded in 1846 as the original Cherokee National Female Seminary. Since then, NSU has evolved into Oklahoma’s leading comprehensive regional university and the fourth largest university in the state. NSU provides undergraduate and graduate learning with campuses in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow, including bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a doctoral degree in optometry. Looking back at the fiscal year completed on June 30, we had several accomplishments. In 2013, NSU launched Destination 2023 (D23), a 10-year plan with specific enrollment, retention and graduation goals. D23 is our institutional response to Governor Mary Fallin’s Complete College America challenge, and addresses the growing demand for college degrees in the workforce. A year ago, we introduced the new dual shared advisement model. This is an essential element of D23 because it has a direct connection to retention, completion and student satisfaction. All indications are that this model is successful, as more students enroll in the right courses and stay on track to graduate. We also recently broke ground on a new four-story residence hall, and are now in the final stages of completing a new fitness center that supports our major community-wide health and wellness initiatives that rolled out this summer. Thanks to contributions and support from our communities, this last spring we opened the Lesley L. Walls Vision Center on the Broken Arrow campus, and the Gailey Family Living Skills Lab at the Muskogee campus. These facilities support the expansion of NSU’s Oklahoma College of Optometry and the new Occupational Therapy master’s program. In the fall, we also opened the new Northeastern State University Event Center and an 8,000 square-foot community space addition on the Tahlequah campus. While students are demanding more from their college education, state revenue streams are experiencing more pressure. To address this funding challenge, we recently kicked off the Light The Way campaign that will help NSU address the needs of students in years to come. I believe that the 2014-15 academic year will be seen as a transformational moment for our university. With faculty and staff who are tireless in their commitment to serving our students and the support of our community, I am certain that our institution is on the right path. September, 2014 President Steve Turner
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We empower individuals to become socially responsible global citizens
by creating and sustaining a culture of learning and discovery.
Board/Leadership Northeastern State University is a comprehensive regional university governed by the Regional University System of Oklahoma and coordinated by the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education. A collegial governance led by a board of regents, the university president, and an executive staff and council helps to provide sufficient representation, while maintaining responsiveness to the needs of various constituencies. This system of governance has served NSU well.
BOARD OF REGENTS
Susan Winchester
Jan Gordon
Terry Matlock
Jeffrey Dunn
Connie Reilly
Richard C. Ogden
PRESIDENT AND HIS CABINET
Lake Carpenter
Dr. Steve Turner
Dr. Mark Arant
Dr. Laura Boren
NSU President
Provost & VP Academic Affairs
VP Student Affairs
Ben Hardcastle
David Koehn
Exec. Director Public Relations & Marketing
VP Business & Finance
Michael W. Mitchel
Janet Barresi
PRESIDENT’S EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Monica Barnett
Patti Buhl
Dr. Ron Cambiano
Tony Duckworth
Peggy Glenn
Staff Council Chair
Director of Public Safety
Special Assistant to the President
Director of Athletics
Director of Development
Dr. Cheryl Van Den Handel Faculty Council President
Taylor Melone Northeastern Student Government Association (NSGA) President
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125th Anniversary of Seminary Hall May 7, 2014
1887 - FIRE!
1846
Seven years after the last detachment of Cherokees arrived in Indian Territory following their forced removal from their homelands, Principal Chief John Ross oversaw the passage of an act by the Cherokee Nation that created institutions for secondary education for young women and young men.
1851
The Cherokee Male and Female Seminaries opened. The Male Seminary was located in Tahlequah, while the Female Seminary was located a few miles away in Park Hill. Both were built to house up to 100 students.
1856 - 1875
Financial difficulties and the disruption of the American Civil War forced the closing of both seminaries. Indian Territory experienced divisions and armed conflict as the opposing forces sometimes used the vacant Female Seminary for military purposes including a hospital for soldiers. By 1875, both seminaries had re-opened.
On Easter Sunday, 1887, the Female Seminary burned to the ground. Determined students climbed into the cupola to strike the clapper to the bell by hand when no rope could be found, but to no avail. Only three original columns remain that can be seen at the Cherokee Heritage Center.
1889
The Female Seminary was rebuilt in its new location and re-opened to much fanfare on May 7, 1889. The Cherokee Advocate newspaper reported: “ . . . Between two and three thousand people were present and were counted, among whom were representatives of every district in the nation, and of every class of our citizens. The procession was over a mile long.”
1909
The newly admitted State of Oklahoma purchased the Female Seminary building and grounds from the U.S. Government who was acting as the guardian of the Cherokee Nation. The structure was used to establish a six-year normal school for the training of teachers. Gov. Charles Haskell signed the bill into law on March 6, 1909, a date that is commemorated annually as NSU’s Founders Day. nsuok.edu/seminaryhall
OTHER CELEBRATIONS OF NOTE
1949 – The new John Vaughn Library was opened 65 years ago. It took more than a decade for Vaughn to raise the funds for this freestanding library building. 1964 – Doc Wadley Stadium, home to the RiverHawks, opened for its first football season 50 years ago. 1989 – Twenty-five years ago, funded with donations from alumni and friends of NSU, the Physical Plant workers constructed the 8,500 square-foot Branscum Alumni Center that houses the NSU Alumni Association, NSU Foundation and NSU’s Office of Development.
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The 20th Annual Winds of Change College Issue in Fall 2013 ranked Northeastern State University the top four-year college serving American Indians. NSU has more enrollment and confers more bachelor’s degrees for American Indians than any other four-year public university in the U.S.*
Northeastern State University offers the nation’s first American Indian language education degree program (Cherokee).
3,253 students identified American Indian or Alaska Native as at least one of their ethnicities.
TRIBAL SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED $3,686,938 to 1,194 students
In Fall 2013, more than 30 tribes were represented, including: Cherokee 70.6% Choctaw 7.8% Creek 7.6%
OUTREACH INCLUDES:
• • • • • •
Rural vision clinics Social work training Cherokee Promise Scholarship program Center for Tribal Studies Indigenous Scholar Development Center Symposium on the American Indian
*Sources: Diverse Issues in Higher Ed 2013; Peterson’s Four-Year Colleges, Princeton; Peterson’s Guides, Inc.; Integrated Post Secondary Education Data System, 20th Annual Winds of Change College Issue, Fall 2013
Our Indian Nation Partners
Northeastern State University was founded in 1846 as the Cherokee National Female Seminary, which opened in 1851. In 2009, the NSU Centennial Celebration highlighted the university’s 100 years as a state institution and dedicated a monument to the preeminent Cherokee scholar, Sequoyah. With a history rooted in the educational principles planted by the Cherokee people, Northeastern State University has long been a bastion of higher education for American Indians. The university’s students represent more than 30 tribes from across the nation, giving NSU the highest enrollment of American Indian students of any public four-year higher education institution in the country. Northeastern offers many resources and programs to aid our American Indian students in their educational pursuits. From cultural programs like the annual Symposium on the American Indian and the Center for Tribal Studies to on campus living-learning communities to a number of student academic and professional organizations, NSU promotes engagement and a sense of community among our American Indian students. Absentee Shawnee • Apache • Caddo • Cherokee Nation • Cheyenne – Arapaho • Chickasaw Nation • Choctaw Nation Citizen Band of Potawatomie • Comanche • Creek Nation • Delaware • Eastern Shawnee • Iowa • Kaw • Kickapoo Kiowa • Miami • Osage • Otoe-Missouria • Ottawa • Pawnee • Peoria • Ponca • Quapaw • Sac & Fox • Seminole Nation Seneca-Cayuga • Thiopthlocco (of the Creek Nation) • United Keetoowah Band • Wichita • Wyandotte ... are among the tribes represented at NSU.
Graduation is a Family Matter for Theatre Major Knickle Sloan This spring 61 of Knickle Sloan’s family members watched him walk across the stage to receive his diploma, including 47 who chartered a bus from New Mexico. He is the third generation in his family to attend Northeastern State University. His mother, Kay Nave-Mark, appreciated the community small enough to make her son feel at home, and big enough to have everything he needed.
Knickle Sloan
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16 MEMBERSHIPS in regional and state Chamber of Commerce, community organizations and cultural development groups Engaging in more than 50 regional chamber events each year
53,031 Alumni in the State Among them are Oklahoma State Senators Bill Brown and Earl Garrison; Oklahoma State House members Jerry McPeak, Eric Proctor, Lisa Billy, Dennis Casey, Will Fourkiller, Chuck Hoskin and Earl Sears.
11 VISION CENTER CLINICS 60,000 patient encounters
3 SPEECH-LANGUAGE CLINICS 2,000 hours of service
2 READING CLINICS 819 PRE K-12 STUDENTS
93,334 Community Service and Volunteer Hours
29 COMMUNITY EVENTS NSU hosts each year
NEARLY $30M IMPACT THROUGH THE: Manufacturing Alliance Small Business Alliance OK Center for Rural Development Oklahoma Small Business Development Center Northeast Oklahoma Regional Alliance
Community Impact Touching Lives Beyond Campus Northeastern State University is an active community member, with an interest in the needs and impact of the university on its communities, region and state. Collaborations that expand opportunities for students also enrich NSU’s communities both directly or indirectly. Earlier this year the Lesley L. Walls Vision Center celebrated its grand opening at Northeastern State University – Broken Arrow. Professionals and pre-professionals from NSU’s Oklahoma College of Optometry have been working at the state-of-the art facility with patients throughout the region who are suffering from what is called “low vision.” This covers a broad range of conditions that adversely affect vision, even with the use of corrective lenses. A partnership with NewView Oklahoma, a regional nonprofit organization, expands services to include orientation and mobility therapy and assistive technology to help patients live as independently as possible. The Gailey Family Living Skills Lab began operation earlier this year on NSU’s Muskogee campus, offering occupational therapy education opportunities to students and clinical services to clients who need assistance performing daily activities or expanding their work skills. Both of these programs provide the region with critical services that would not be available otherwise. They are the latest examples of NSU’s commitment to a system of allied health education programs that provide quality care to underserved populations in northeast Oklahoma. In addition to the 11 clinics operated by the Oklahoma College of Optometry, our College of Science & Health Professions sponsors three speech-language clinic sites that provide services to individuals who are faced with communication challenges. The College of Education is also active in NSU’s culture of outreach and service with the Capitola “Cappi” Wadley Reading & Technology Center on the Tahlequah campus and the NSU Reading Clinic on the Broken Arrow campus. With early intervention, these centers can improve outcomes for these students for a lifetime.
“I have focused so far on the impact these programs have on thousands of clinic and program clients, but the life-changing impact these experiences have on our students is truly beyond measure.” - NSU President Steve Turner There are many more educational, training and outreach programs of course, and none of these would be possible without the cooperation and, in some cases, financial support of public and private organizations and foundations. In an era of decreased funding and increased expectations, NSU continues to embrace the vision of a university whose impact goes well beyond the borders of our campuses. Lesley Robbins, Occupational Therapy Master’s student, never dreamed of attending graduate school. As a single mother she knew her education was the key to a better life for her and her son. A Business Administration graduate, Robbins shadowed an OT who sparked her interest in the profession. NSU’s new program provides the convenience, cost-efficiency and hands-on experience Robbins needs to prepare for her future career, while still having time to spend with her son.
Lesley Robbins
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10,050 students on 3 campuses and online 54 undergraduate degrees 23 graduate degrees 1 professional degree (Doctorate of Optometry) Undergraduate 8,644
Full Time
5,887
Part Time
2,757
Graduate
1,295
Full Time
380
Part Time
915
Professional 111
DEMOGRAPHICS: Women 61.5% Men 38.5% Oklahomans 92.4% Out of State 6.1% International 1.6% Caucasian 52.5% Native American 21.7% Two or more Races 11.1% African American 4.8% Hispanic 3.8% Asian/Pacific Island 1.9% Unknown/Other 4.2%
Inside the numbers Demographics & Enrollment Data
The colleges at NSU provide a diverse and dynamic academic setting for students and faculty on three campuses located in Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow. The Oklahoma College of Optometry is recognized as one of the nation’s leading institutions in the education of optometric physicians, while two of the past three State Teachers of the Year have been NSU graduates.
Northeastern State University has a highly credentialed team of professors and a team of advisors and counselors who are focused on and committed to student success. A report by the 2012 Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 24.5 percent (or 153,171 individuals) in the Tulsa metro have some college training, but have not completed a degree. With increasing demand for higher education, Northeastern State University is committed to advancing college completion, so community members can achieve both their personal and professional goals. A college education is important for upward mobility and increased earning potential, and it provides a stronger foundation for families. The Tulsa Area Chamber of Commerce estimates that Oklahoma will have 541,000 job vacancies from now through the year 2018. Of those, 60 percent require education beyond high school. With a variety of degree, certificate and continuing education choices, as well as the second lowest tuition of any university in the state, NSU is poised to do just that. Northeastern State University also has a long-standing commitment to immersive learning experiences for our students. With carefully designed curriculums, NSU provides learning and service opportunities that transcend the classroom experience and better prepare students for the workplace. Harsh Patel, biology major, chose NSU because it provides him the personalized and focused track he needs to follow his dreams of becoming a Nephrologist. Patel is involved in numerous facets of NSU beyond his education, including: Pre-Professional Health Club, Circle K International, STEP Summer Programming, RiverHawk Food Pantry and through a job in the Office of International Programs, he has numerous opportunities to showcase diversity. Patel was also recently accepted into a Duke summer medical program.
Harsh Patel
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Number of students taking at least one course at: Tahlequah 9,964 BA 5,270 Muskogee 1,311 Online 7,004 Concurrent (high school) students – 211 97,019 hours students transferred 5,614 free tutoring sessions 1,107 hours of counseling (Hawk Reach) 139 Career Services events 1,030 career assessments 60,785 jobs posted for students 4,378 contacts with registered employers
NUMBER ENROLLED Undeclared
2,168
College of Ed
2,284
College of Business & Technology 1,807 College of Science & Health Professions
1,624
College of Liberal Arts
1,709
College of Extended Learning
293
Graduate College (undeclared)
54
College of Optometry
111
More than 105 active student organizations 68% of full-time undergrads received some type of financial aid 41.7% of NSU undergrads are “non-traditional”
Student Focus
Northeastern State University traditional students begin their studies in Tahlequah, but the Muskogee and Broken Arrow campuses have broadened the profile of students we serve. The Broken Arrow and Muskogee campuses are increasingly serving students transferring from other colleges, advancing their degrees, or even reinventing their careers. More than ever, students are juggling work and family responsibilities in addition to their studies. To accommodate this, NSU encourages faculty to develop more blended, online and weekend workshop classes. NSU students also participate in Oklahoma’s Reach Higher program. It is a path for students with some college credit to complete a Bachelor of Science in organizational leadership. Last year, measures were taken to encourage increased retention rates, and increased placement of graduates in the marketplace. Several new advisors were added to the colleges last year to give NSU students the attention and support they need to stay on track to graduate. The longer a student takes to graduate, the more inclined they are not to complete their degree.
“NSU employs an Early Alert System to detect students not attending class or who have poor grades at mid-semester. At this point, intervention can be made to assist the student.” - Jerrid Freeman, Enrollment Management Northeastern State University’s Career Services department provides students opportunities to obtain a resume of real-world experiences before they graduate, including practicums, internships, research, field experiences, co-ops and clinical assignments. Students also broaden their horizons with a population rich with international students, and a solid study abroad program. With the addition of the Language and Cultural Center in 2013, students also have opportunities to explore other languages and cultures that better prepare them for today’s global environment. Determined to complete his degree while spending time overseas and with the help and commitment of his professors, First Class Petty Officer Alex Lauderdale is slated to complete his Criminal Justice master’s degree this fall. With U.S. military involvement winding down in Afghanistan and ended in Iraq, many veterans such as Lauderdale find themselves ready to start a new career path. Last year 424 veterans were enrolled at NSU.
Alex Lauderdale
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Northeastern State University hosted the Smithsonian Institute’s “Native Words, Native Warriors” exhibit about the American Indian code talkers of both world wars. From January 25, 2014 through April 7, 2014 more than 1,000 guests, and more than 400 students from area schools experienced instructional tours of the exhibit. This was the first time the exhibit visited a university rather than a museum, and the first time it came to Oklahoma, a state which was home to a large number of code talkers.
NSU Highlights
with the 2013 Tree Campus USA in recognition of the campus’s commitment to effective urban forest management. It is NSU’s fourth consecutive year to receive this recognition.
Department Recognition The College of Education Edubots team qualified for the 2014 world championship competition.
The strength of NSU is its faculty and staff. Dedicated to exceptional service for students, NSU kicked off fiscal year 2014 with Disney Institute training with a focus on: safety, a caring experience, timeliness and consistency.
University Recognition For 2013, NSU was ranked 37th in the nation among the 684 public, master’s universities by Washington Monthly magazine for its contribution to the public good in three broad categories: social mobility (recruiting and graduating low-income students), research (producing cutting-edge scholarships and doctoral degrees), and service (encouraging students to give something back to their country). It uses U.S. Department of Education data to measure whether universities are fulfilling the social expectations of society for providing opportunities for upward mobility. The Corporation for National Community service has named Northeastern State University to the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll for the fourth consecutive year. Mosaic, a program of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, named NSU as one of the top 20 organizations in the region with an inclusive workplace culture. The university has been honored in G.I. Job’s 2014 list of Military Friendly Schools, an honor that puts it in the top 20 percent of schools nationwide for embracing America’s student veterans. In spring 2014, The Arbor Day Foundation honored Northeastern State University’s Tahlequah campus
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Dr. Kenneth Jones’s Supply Chain/Operations Management class was selected to travel to Schaan, Liechtenstein for the Hilti IT Innovation Competition from Jan. 9 – 11, 2014. NSU athletic teams made the MIAA conference playoffs in nine out of ten sports, and the women’s tennis team claimed a share of the 2014 MIAA Regular Season Championship.
Student Awards Three of the 12 finalists for Oklahoma’s 2014 Teacher of the Year are NSU alumna: Therese D. Rowlingson, Jentri Guinn, Tera Landrum. Amanda Jesperson, Broken Arrow music performance senior, won in the OMTA soloist category at Oklahoma Music Teachers Association (OMTA). NSU student and tenor, Hansen Johnson was a semifinalist in the Sophomore Men category of the Texoma National Association of Teachers of Singing Competition that was held at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. Amanda Jespersen, a NSU special education major, was inducted as a DaVinci Scholar. Joy Morrow and Erika Salmon are the Brad Henry International Scholarship recipients. Jessica Breske, College of Education student was selected as 2014 Council for Exceptional Children Outstanding Undergraduate. Three Northeastern Student Government Association (NSGA) members were recently elected to statewide positions within the Oklahoma Student Government Association: Taylor Melone, Heather Wallace, Leon Beck
Accomplishments, Awards and Recognitions
Academic and Staff Awards Dr. Lee Carr, O.D was named the 2013 Optometrist of the Year by the Heart of America Contact Lens Society and received the OAOP 2014 Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Kathleen Elliott, O.D. was named the 2014 Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Phyllis Fife, NSU’s director of the Center for Tribal Studies was inducted into the Muscogee Hall of Fame. Tulsa senior and NSU Fulbright scholar, Abbey Haughey won an Outstanding Fulbright English Teaching Assistant Performance Award. Three watercolors by associate professor of Art, Lance Hunter were selected for international exhibitions in April. Jason Junkens, NSU emergency manager, is one of 75 candidates to receive the Certified Emergency Manager designation from the International Association of Emergency Managers. Dr. Crystal Mosteller, O.D. was named the 2014 Young Optometrist of the Year. Dr. Neil Morton, NSU College of Liberal Arts professor, was named second Sequoyah Fellow. 2014 Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching went to Patricia “Diane” Reece, (Reece passed away Dec. 5 at the age of 61). Dr. Patricia Surmon, lecturer of music, was named a Fulbright Scholar. Dr. Mary Swanson was awarded the 2014 DaVinci Fellow Award. Dr. Jitendra Tewari, NSU associate professor of marketing, received the Best Paper of Track Award in accounting/finance/economics at the 2014 Academic and Business Research Institute in San Antonio. Dr. Kevin Wang received Teacher of the Year 2013 – Research by the state of Oklahoma.
Dr. Allyson Watson was honored in the Historical Black Colleges and University’s annual publication; HBCU ‘Digest 50’. Dr. Michelle Welch, O.D. was named Optometrist of the Year for 2013-14 by the OK Association of Optometric Physicians. Criminal Justice professor Dr. Mike Wilds was selected as one of 166 individuals representing 114 countries at the International Police Executive Symposium hosted by the Budapest National Police. Communication Assistant Professor Dr. Hsin-I Sydney Yueh won the Outstanding Dissertation Award for Language and Social Interaction Division ( LSI) of National Communication Association in Washington D.C.
Circle of Excellence Teaching - Christine Hallman, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Geography Research - Mark Paulissen, Ph.D., Professor, Biology Service - David Lewerenz, O.D., Associate Professor, College of Optometry
Model The Way Dr. Brad Agnew, Professor, College of Liberal Arts Linda Brown, Secretary III, College of Science & Health Professions Dr. Katy Ellis, Assistant Professor, College of Business & Technology Phyllis Wilmon, Administrative Assistant, College of Liberal Arts
Star Awards Star Award - Alaka Back Rising Star Award - Helen Lahrman
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The Colleges of NSU
The colleges of Northeastern State University are the heartbeat of the university. They help students develop the skills they need for their chosen career path, and provide opportunities to expand their horizons.
College of Education 2,284 students Largest college at NSU 10 undergraduate degrees • 10 graduate degrees • 3 graduate certificate programs With innovative approaches to teaching and immersive learning that require students to connect knowledge and skills to real-world applications, NSU prepares teachers that are ready for the classroom. Education Professionally Immersed in Co-Teaching, EPIC for short, is one of the more recent enhancements. This program places students in front of the classroom almost twice as long as currently required – almost 1,200 hours instead of 680 hours. In 2014, the NSU Robotics team was the smallest and only qualifying team from a college of education. Most of the teams competing in this world championship came from science and engineering programs. Dr. Allyson Watson, Endowed Education Chair, was honored in January in the Historical Black Colleges and University’s annual publication Digest 50. She also heads the Teaching and Urban Reform Network (TURN), a program that promotes urban education training for some of the most at-risk populations.
Dr. Allyson Watson
College of Business & Technology 1,807 students Second Largest College at NSU 13 undergraduate • 3 graduate degrees The College of Business & Technology offers students degree options relevant to today’s business world, and the analytical, and communication skills to succeed. This ever-changing environment makes NSU’s community partnerships more important than ever. Not only does it allow faculty to have a pulse on their industries, but these partnerships provide opportunities for students as they prepare to enter the workforce. Dr. John Yeutter works with students to provide free tax preparation assistance each year. On the Tahlequah campus alone, his students helped taxpayers file their own taxes on MyFreeTaxes.com. The students helped complete 197,284 returns for taxpayers and prepared taxes for 190 families who were not able to use the site. According to Yeutter, “It’s good for the community, good public service for NSU and good experience for the students.”
Dr. John Yeutter
College of Science & Health Professions 1,624 students 13 undergraduate • 6 graduate degrees This college places strong emphasis in the areas of biomedical physics, chemistry, contemporary biosciences, mathematics and computer science. And to meet demand for skilled workers in the health care industry, this college is expanding programming in the areas of allied health, medical laboratory science, dietetics and nutrition, nursing, and speech language pathology. Numerous research projects throughout the year allow students to get involved outside the classroom and work with faculty, graduate students, post-doctoral research to advance science through critical thinking, explore their interests, and gain valuable experience that sets them apart from others in their field. Dr. Kevin Wang leads a team of students who research plant biotechnology for applications in agriculture and human health and development, environmental regulation, food safety, medical science and public health. His research bridges academics and industry.
Dr. Kevin Wang
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College of Liberal Arts 1,709 students 22 undergraduate • 4 graduate degrees Perhaps the most diverse college, Liberal Arts encompasses everything from Communication Studies to Criminal Justice. Whether it’s something in the social sciences, foreign language, performing arts, or the humanities, immersive learning experiences are dotted throughout. A 2013 survey by Hart Research Associates for the Association of American Colleges and Universities showed that more than 90 percent of employers wanted to hire someone that demonstrated an ability to think critically, communicate clearly, and solve complex problems. And nearly 75 percent of employers recommend the degrees associated with Liberal Arts as the best way to prepare for success in today’s global economy. Last summer Dr. Donna Shelton led a trip that immersed students into the language and culture of the various regions of Spain. This is just one component of an expanding Spanish and Spanish Education program at NSU.
Dr. Donna Shelton
College of Extended Learning 293 students 4 undergraduate • 2 graduate degrees The newest of all NSU colleges, the College of Extended Learning has three areas that serve distinct populations, including degree completion, continuing education and the language and cultural center. For the adult learner, many of the degree and certificate programs are offered in accelerated, blended, online and weekend formats with expanded support services. Continuing education offers non-credit community and professional education programs, seminars and workshops as well as certificate options. The Language and Cultural Center offers many ways to advance the understanding and application of various languages, for both students, potential international students, and the community. Dr. Mike Wilds was selected as one of 166 individuals representing 114 countries to discuss criminal justice issues that are international in scope at the International Police Executive Symposium hosted by the Budapest National Police.
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Dr. Mike Wilds
Graduate College 1,295 students (380 full-time/915 part-time) 24 graduate degrees • 6 graduate certificates NSU’s graduate programs span the range of disciplines and all have adopted “best practices” in their curricula. This leads to a deeper understanding of the subject material and more employment opportunities following graduation. Dr. Martha Parrot uses innovative techniques that help stimulate interest in mathematics using cross-discipline connections to encourage teachers, children and parents to grasp the fun of learning.
Dr. Martha Parrott
Optometry 111 students 1 undergraduate degree • 1 professional degree • 1 graduate certificate program The College of Optometry at NSU is one of 21 optometric schools in the nation. Optometry is the third largest independent, primary health profession in the US. Through our partnerships with the Cherokee Nation and other area entities, NSU students experience more than 60,000 patient encounters this last year. With 11 clinics faculty and students serve an important role in solving health problems for rural communities in northeastern Oklahoma, and are well positioned to be the gateway to the health care system. Dr. Leland Carr is always seeking new partnerships and opportunities to provide students a first-rate and diverse clinical learning experience. NSU students have numerous opportunities to have hands-on experience with patients, to treat complex human diseases, and to interact with a variety of health care professionals during their time at NSU.
Dr. Leland Carr
International Programs 150 international students • 40 countries • 70 per year go abroad to work or study Whether students come to NSU from other countries or wish to study or work abroad, NSU’s international program is geared to help students broaden their horizons. There are several opportunities on campus for students to interact and explore other cultures. Last July, Stephanie Davis Goad set up groundwork to expand NSU’s international study and work programs. Working closely with NSU colleges to develop more programs to get students abroad and recruit more international students to our programs not only diversifies and enriches our campus community, but gives students valuable life experiences they will carry with them long after they graduate.
Stephanie Davis Goad
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A UNIVERSITY WITH MAJOR IMPACT With a total regional impact of $260 million, the estimated return on investment is $3.56 for every $1 of state funding. (2013, State Chamber of Oklahoma) 53,031 NSU alumni live in northeastern Oklahoma
NSU CONTINUES TO TIGHTEN OUR BELTS • Decreased FY 14 operating expenses 3% through cost containment
•
Administrative costs well below OSRHE limit of 13% at 8.4%
•
Second lowest tuition of any university in Oklahoma
Statement of Revenues, Expenses, and Changes in Net Position (Thousands of Dollars) Fiscal Year Ended June 30
2013 2012
Operating revenues
43,805
Employee compensation and benefits
(66,545) (66,856)
Depreciation expense
(9,980)
(10,387)
Other Operating expense (31,272)
(31,211)
43,515
Operating Income (Loss)
(63,992) (64,939)
Federal, state and local grants
21,294
23,309
State appropriations
37,075
36,594
On behalf payments, gifts, investments and interest expenses
1,976
2,269
Capital gifts
1,500
742
State appropriations for capital purposes
2,182
2,087
Change in Net Position
35
62
Net Position, beginning of year
160,943
162,221
Restatement of net position (GASB 65)
--
(1,340)
Net position, end of year
160,978
160,943
Financial Summary
Fiscal Year 2013
23% State Appropriations
7% 8%
Tuition & Fees Grants & Contracts Auxillary Operations Other
26% 36%
In 2013, Northeastern State University adopted Destination 2023, a 10-year plan with specific enrollment, retention and graduation goals. These goals were based, in part, on projections of population growth in the region, especially in the Tulsa metropolitan area. Also released last year, the Campus Master Plan aligns with strategic initiatives in a long-range vision of growth for the university that benefits both students and their communities. NSU continues to refine the academic review process and examine operations in an effort to increase overall efficiencies. During the past 10 years, NSU received significant capital funding that allowed for more control over tuition revenue and a stronger financial picture for NSU. Support from donors and other organizations has also allowed NSU to take significant steps toward providing additional higher educational opportunities to a larger geographical area and a more diverse student body. In fact, the foundation endowment has reached more then $20 million for the first time in NSU history.
Last year NSU awarded more than $76 million in financial aid and scholarships to NSU students. In 2013-2014, NSU has devoted significant resources to extramural grant allocations, increasing awards and pending awards to an all-time high of almost $10.3 million. NSU’s grant approval rate has remained above 40 percent for the last four years. Collaborations such as the recent City of Muskogee Foundation’s $900,000 grant allowed for NSU to provide the second masters-level Occupational Therapy program in the state. These grant programs, research opportunities and other partnerships provide valuable learning experiences for students. NSU’s impact goes beyond our three campuses into the very fabric of Oklahoma’s most vital region. The faculty and staff consistently illustrate a tireless dedication to serving each student individually, and meeting the needs and exceeding the expectations of our communities. NSU appreciates the support from donors and other organizations who understand the economic benefits from helping students get the training they need to become the professional workforce of tomorrow.
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TAHLEQUAH CAMPUS 600 N. Grand Ave. TAHLEQUAH, OK 74464
Muskogee Campus 2400 W. Shawnee Muskogee, OK 74401
BROKEN ARROW CAMPUS 3100 E. New Orleans Broken Arrow, OK 74014
WWW.NSUOK.EDU
DR. STEVE TURNER, PRESIDENT