Northern Arizona University students come from all walks of life.
Whether you’re a first-generation student or a military veteran, a full-time parent or a business executive, whoever and wherever you are, Northern Arizona University has a place for you. You can learn in a traditional, on-campus setting in Flagstaff; at more than 20 convenient locations across Arizona; or through flexible online options accessible around the globe. The stories below highlight a few NAU students who have found their own unique paths to higher education. Follow the links for their full stories.
Transitioning 2NAU
With a full-time job and two children to raise, the traditional path to a bachelor’s degree wasn’t possible for Jessica Arnold ‘20. The 2NAU program, however, allowed her to seamlessly transition from general education courses at Phoenix College to NAU’s Interior Design bachelor’s program at Scottsdale Community College. “The 2NAU program made the most sense for me and my goals,” Arnold says. “I was very happy to be able to successfully transfer to NAU. I enjoyed the flexibility and thoroughness of the education format.”
Finding support at NAU
Sage Bond transferred to NAU from Diné College. Building on the “Cookie Monster scream” she uses singing heavy metal, she’s now studying opera in the Kitt School of Music. Bond, who is Apache and Navajo and commutes to Flagstaff from Monument Valley, said her transition to college life was eased by the support of her professors and Native American Cultural Center staff.
Veteran applies his passion
Marine Corps veteran Alexander Davenport graduated from NAU in May 2019 with a University Studies degree focused on Disability Studies and Spanish. His on-again, off-again college career took flight when he found his passion for adaptive sports. “I went and found something I loved, and then I went to school for it,” he says. Davenport founded the adaptive sports program at Arizona Snowbowl, where he and his team can teach just about anyone to ski.
Saving money with 90/30
Tiffany Grigsby was pleasantly surprised to find a supportive student community in her NAU Online courses. Grigsby made use of NAU’s 90/30 program, saving money by transferring in 90 credits from community college. She finished the remaining 30 credits at NAU and graduated in 2020 with a degree in Public Administration. Thanks to the online option, Grigsby was able to complete her education while working full time and raising two teenagers.
Keep working with NAU Online
Despite his lofty position as an executive leader for a Fortune 500 company, Ian McLein still wanted to fulfill an old goal: graduate from college. NAU Online allowed him to maintain the busy schedule and frequent travel required for his job at The Walt Disney Company while completing his bachelor’s degree. He graduated in 2021 with a BS in Computer Information Technology and is now committed to lifelong learning.
An NAU education in southwest Arizona
NAU–Yuma student Gerardo Noriega commutes to class from El Centro, California. The Yuma campus is convenient and affordable; he can live at home and save money. Noriega will graduate in May 2022 with a bachelor’s in Biological and Natural Resource Sciences. He’ll be the first in his family to earn a college degree.
UP NEXT...
Honoring and supporting military veterans
Veterans Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the contributions of veterans and the services available to them at NAU.
NAU–Yuma provides affordable, accessible education
NAU–Yuma offers multiple undergraduate and graduate degrees, many informed by the nearby US–Mexico border.
Advocating for representation
Professor Matthew Wangeman advances the discourse of ability and inclusion.
Creating a home away from home
Ora Marek-Martinez uses the past to build a better future for Indigenous students.