Life as a Lumberjack
Who we are
Vision and Mission Accordion Closed
Vision
NAU leads the way to a better Arizona and a sustainable world through personal attention to student success and scholarly excellence.
Mission
Academic programs, research, public service, and creative endeavors enrich lives and create opportunities in Arizona and beyond. We develop solutions to challenges and drive innovation in a supportive, inclusive and diverse environment.
Values and Goals Accordion Closed
Values
Student Centered
We focus on preparing students who are informed and skilled, ready for engaged, productive lives.
Excellence
We commit to the highest quality in all endeavors.
Diversity
We strengthen our community through diversity of cultures, experiences and perspectives.
Integrity
We operate with fairness, honesty, and the highest ethical standards.
Discovery
We engage in innovation to create, share and apply new knowledge, scholarship and artistry.
Service
We partner with our communities, in the spirit of collaboration, to provide services and expertise to support Arizona, the nation and the world.
Goals
Student Success and Access: Educate students to serve, lead, and achieve
Research and Discovery: Expand the boundaries of knowledge and creativity
Commitment to Native Americans: Become the nation’s leading university serving Native Americans
Engagement: Strengthen university, community, regional, national and global ties for the mutually beneficial exchange of knowledge and resources
Stewardship: Ensure long term viability of the university
Learn more about NAU’s mission, vision, and values on the Office of the President’s website.
NAU history
On January 16, 1899, N.O. Murphy, governor of the Territory of Arizona (Arizona was not a recognized state until 1912), recommended that the unused territorial building, erected in Flagstaff in 1893, be put to use as a normal school (what Universities and colleges used to be called). Henry Ashurst, Coconino County Representative to the Legislature, introduced House Bill 44 on February 6, 1899 which authorized the establishment of the Northern Arizona Normal School.
The first term began September 11, 1899, under the direction of Professor A.N. Taylor with Miss Frances Bury assisting. Twenty-three students enrolled the following week. The first graduating class, in 1901, consisted of four women who received life certificates to teach in Arizona.
Learn more about NAU history and traditions on the Traditions website.
Louie’s School Survival Guide
University life can seem overwhelming at times, so we’ve created a guide for you to make sense of the most important parts! Check out Louie’s School Survival Guide and find out how best to prepare to be a Lumberjack!