This month holds so many wonderful traditions for families and communities. The drop of the Flagstaff pinecone on New Year’s Eve, the lighting of the Courthouse Square in Prescott, the celebrations that bring neighbors together – our traditions unite us during this festive season. At Northern Arizona University, we understand the power of traditions to create a shared experience and common goal. We carry that throughout every day, because our tradition is not limited to any specific holiday … [Read more...] about Reflecting on Traditions
NAU
Together We Can Do So Much
It is hard to believe that we are nearing the end of another year. I am grateful for the chance to reflect on all that we have done together this year – as a campus and as a community. In this column early this year, I wrote of our hopes for a renewed state investment in higher education. I outlined goals for increased student success and retention, and celebrated the partnerships that enhanced the NAU impact around the state. I expressed ambitious plans, and I am happy to say that though we … [Read more...] about Together We Can Do So Much
Research: Providing Answers to the Things That Frighten Us
As large bags of candy spill off shelves and children’s costumes fill store aisles, it is impossible to ignore the fact that Halloween is around the corner! In an increasingly complex world, however, it does not take a holiday to remind us of frightening things. There are diseases not yet cured, environmental and societal threats not yet identified and questions not yet answered. At NAU, the uncertainty is not a reason for fear; it is an inspiration and the foundation of our successful … [Read more...] about Research: Providing Answers to the Things That Frighten Us
The Power of a New Beginning
There are few things as powerful as a new beginning. On a college campus, and in a college community, the buzz of anticipation around the start of a new academic year is contagious. The optimism of our students and the enthusiasm of our faculty and staff echo the promise of good things to come. NAU continues to thrive, and we are building on our strong foundation to achieve even greater accomplishments this academic year. We are strengthening our research programs to directly benefit our … [Read more...] about The Power of a New Beginning
NAU’s Legacy Leads Toward Forest Fire Prevention
Arizona’s forests are a state treasure, and they contribute to our quality of life in the high country. Every year during wildfire season, though, that treasure is under threat – a fact that we were reminded of this summer. We all agree on the need to keep our forests healthy, but attempts to prevent forest fires can sometimes lead to differing viewpoints on how to achieve that goal. That is why Northern Arizona University’s long-standing legacy of forest health research and leadership is … [Read more...] about NAU’s Legacy Leads Toward Forest Fire Prevention
Lumberjacks for Life: Building Lasting Connections
One of the true joys of the college experience is the friends you make along the way. Classmates enhance the celebrations, commiserate about the challenges, inform and expand the education of the journey toward a degree. At NAU, we believe that camaraderie should not be limited just to our students’ time on campus. So, we are taking our alumni experience to them, providing fun opportunities to connect with each other and share their love of helping others, professionally networking, trying … [Read more...] about Lumberjacks for Life: Building Lasting Connections
The Leadership Paradox: Humility and Confidence
Leaders face an interesting, sometimes confusing, paradox. People want leaders who are humble, but also want leaders who project confidence. Projecting humility can suggest a lack of self-confidence, but projecting self-confidence can suggest arrogance. What’s a leader to do? Let’s untangle this apparent paradox by finding common ground between humility and self-confidence. Before doing so, however, it’s important to distinguish between legitimate self-confidence and defensive … [Read more...] about The Leadership Paradox: Humility and Confidence
Why NAU?
If you have ever spent time with a child, you know that no matter how different their personalities or interests, they all share one thing: the ability to ask “why” about everything. It is a genuine question – a desire to better understand how things work and relate to what interests them, and a chance to enhance a discussion. I find that the question of “why” – whether it comes from a child or a colleague – helps me communicate things a little better. It inspires me to explain actions in … [Read more...] about Why NAU?
On the Grid – College Graduate’s First Job
College Graduate's First Job Part 1 [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/317797332" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" iframe="true" /] Part 2 [soundcloud url="https://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/328003303" params="auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true" width="100%" height="450" … [Read more...] about On the Grid – College Graduate’s First Job
Veterans Finding One-Stop Shopping at NAU
Success comes in many forms, including the newly remodeled, 1,600-square-foot Veteran Success Center (VSC) located in the University Union Fieldhouse at Northern Arizona University. For a veteran student, success can mean finding a safe space on campus to interact with other military-affiliated students and relax, watch TV and play ping-pong. It can also mean connecting with resources to help in academic and professional careers, or learning about educational benefits earned through … [Read more...] about Veterans Finding One-Stop Shopping at NAU