Strategic roadmap

NAU Charter

NAU aims to be the nation’s preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact in Arizona and beyond.

NAU transforms lives and enriches communities through high-quality academics and impactful scholarships, creative endeavors, and public service.

NAU educates, supports, and empowers all students to reach their full potential.

NAU’s strategic roadmap: Elevating Excellence

Our work is guided by the Elevating Excellence strategic roadmap, which articulates seven priority areas that define how NAU pursues its vision.

Academic excellence

NAU’s high-quality academic programs, general studies curriculum, and the teaching excellence of our faculty foster students’ knowledge and competencies necessary for professional success, informed civic engagement, global citizenship, and lifelong learning.

Student success

Grounded in a student-centered institutional culture of care, NAU provides accessible and affordable educational opportunities, with tailored support services that enable students to complete their academic credentials and realize transformative outcomes from their collegiate experience.

Commitment to Indigenous Peoples

In recognition of the unique sovereign status of Native Nations and the sacred land on which the university was built, NAU continues its intentional support for Indigenous students, faculty, and staff, building mutually beneficial partnerships with Indigenous communities that position NAU as the nation’s leading university serving Indigenous Peoples.

Impactful scholarship

NAU’s teacher-scholars engage in impactful research, scholarship, and creative activities that provide transformative learning opportunities, engage our students and communities, advance disciplinary and interdisciplinary knowledge, and contribute to solving problems of regional, national, and global relevance.

Mission-driven faculty and staff

NAU supports the recruitment, retention, development, and promotion of a highly qualified, mission-driven workforce.

Community engagement

NAU engages locally, regionally, and globally with public and private partners to foster mutually beneficial relationships that enhance our students’ educational experiences, contribute to broad social impact, and increase cultural and economic vitality.

Sustainable stewardship of resources

NAU effectively utilizes our physical, technological, and financial resources in support of our vision and mission, with a commitment to the responsible use of resources, innovative use of technology, and mission-driven financial investments and philanthropic activity.

NAU 2030 goals

Our 2030 goals sharpen focus and have clear indicators of success focused on increasing access, promoting student achievement, and growing impact in Arizona and beyond. Together, these shape a bright future for NAU.

Goal #1: Advanced educational attainment and career preparedness

NAU expands access to higher education, promotes student success, and prepares all students for post-graduation achievements.

Indicators of success:

• Over 12,500 first generation and lower-income students enrolled at NAU
• Over 85% of students continue their studies at or graduate from NAU
• More than 50,000 people earn an NAU credential

Goal #2: Enhance economic mobility and community impact

NAU fosters economic mobility for graduates and contributes positively to communities across Arizona and beyond.

Indicators of success:

• A majority of graduates are employed in Arizona three years after graduation.
• Over 8,600 graduated in Health and Behavioral healthcare fields to address Arizona’s workforce needs.
• A sustained, strong reputation for strategic research and public service addressing key challenges in Arizona and beyond.