Reaching new elevations
President Rita Cheng has built on Northern Arizona University’s historic strengths even as she has helped forge paths to a bolder future. Discover how her vision is taking shape and accelerating progress at 7,000 feet and beyond.
Leadership vision
Driving innovation in Arizona—and beyond
$69m
in sponsored project awards20k
jobs supported by NAU+10%
change in graduate enrollment (2018 v. 2017)Advancing our future
Valuing our community
I continue to marvel at the vibrancy of this beautiful campus and the energy flowing from our students, faculty and staff. A strong sense of community weaves together our diverse population at NAU. We are immersed in the local culture of Flagstaff while experiencing an infusion of global perspectives from international students. Most of us quickly understand why it’s easy to call this place home—and we hope that you will too.
— President Rita Cheng
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Statement on the FY18 budget
Higher education in Arizona is important for our residents and for the overall quality of life and economic vitality of our communities and our state. Seventy percent of NAU’s recent graduates are from Arizona, so I believe the outlook for our school and state is strong. I see the promise that education holds for the future and I am driven to ensure more Arizonans benefit from those possibilities. As such, I believe that investment in our universities is part of…
President Cheng presents to ABOR on "Intersections for Success"
"NAU stands proudly at the intersection of talent, vision and commitment. This is our time to reach new levels of success–for our students, for our university and for our state," Cheng shared during her operational and financial review presentation to the Arizona Board of Regents in Flagstaff this week. Read more. View the slideshow presentation.