What is the role of a public university in today’s business world? In the community? Questions like these come up often when I visit with representatives in the private sector and with community leaders who are active in- and-outside of economic development. But as there are multiple business worlds and many communities, depending on which industry, geography or social circles we operate in, the role of the university is multifaceted and complex and intertwined with its educational, research and … [Read more...] about NAU Working as Catalyst for Region’s Many Interests
NAU
NAU’s Grad Programs Recognized by ‘US News & World Report’
U.S. News & World Report has recognized several programs in Northern Arizona University’s Graduate College. NAU’s physical therapy program ranked 40th in the country in the Best Grad Schools for 2017 publication. Other programs on the list of rankings include NAU’s Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, Biological Sciences, the College of Education and the School of Nursing. “I am delighted, though not at all surprised, that our graduate programs are receiving … [Read more...] about NAU’s Grad Programs Recognized by ‘US News & World Report’
Pool Broadens for World-Class Swimmers
“Runners and cyclists have been coming to Flagstaff to train at high altitude since the Mexico City Olympics in 1968. Since 1982, there’s been a ton of swimmers here. Now that we have the new pool, we can accommodate even more of them,” said Andy Johns, head coach of the Northern Arizona University Swimming and Diving program. With the grand opening of the Aquatic and Tennis Complex last month, the public was finally able to sneak a peek inside the new 120,000-square-foot facility. … [Read more...] about Pool Broadens for World-Class Swimmers
Bolstering Arizona’s Workforce by Investing in Education
This year’s legislative session offers new hope to Arizona as Governor Ducey brings education to the forefront as a budgetary priority. As the Arizona economy continues to improve, modest reinvestments in Arizona’s public K-12 education and universities is a positive step forward. While we are optimistic about the renewed interest in funding education, it is also important to note that NAU faces these discussions from a budget position further behind than we anticipated last year. During … [Read more...] about Bolstering Arizona’s Workforce by Investing in Education
Businesses Gaining from NAU Students’ Marketing Research
While the term “win-win” may seem a bit passé these days, here is a situation in which it applies perfectly. At Northern Arizona University, two classes are offered that help businesses with very effective marketing plans for free and help students take what they have learned from their marketing classes to apply in real business situations. Win-win. “There are two NAU classes that I teach. One is strategic marketing [and] the other is marketing research. Both lend themselves to … [Read more...] about Businesses Gaining from NAU Students’ Marketing Research
Possibilities in Every Direction
The beginning of each new year provides a perfect opportunity for reflection and planning. It’s a time to revisit goals and priorities…and possibilities. In 2016, we will continue to provide outstanding teaching and learning experiences supported by research and service. After all, these commitments are the very foundation from which we derive solutions to meet the demands of today’s rapidly changing world. We welcome those challenges and face them with integrity, innovation and a determined … [Read more...] about Possibilities in Every Direction
Leading NAU’s Business College During All Seasons
Over the past few weeks, I’ve been facing a number of challenges, both personally and professionally. These challenges led to much reflection about how to deal with times of difficulty. It comes to no surprise for regular readers, but I have some thoughts on the topic. Not surprisingly, my favorite philosophers, the Stoics, give us guidance. A core tenant of Stoicism is also the key to dealing with troubling times. As Epictetus (a slave for much of his life) began his book, “The Enchiridion … [Read more...] about Leading NAU’s Business College During All Seasons
Finding the Path to Life-Work Balance at NAU
If you’re like me, finding the proper balance between life and work is a challenge. (The term “life/work balance” is odd when you think about it. For many of us, work is a huge part of our lives, so the term is a bit of a false dichotomy. Despite this, I’ll refer to the non-work part of life as simply life.) Anyway, in our modern, achievement-driven world, it’s difficult to find the proper mix of work and the rest of your life. Even though this topic has been addressed by many wiser souls, I’ll … [Read more...] about Finding the Path to Life-Work Balance at NAU
Ask the CEO—Step 1: Become a CEO; Step 2: Join a Gang
Okay, so I don’t mean a bad gang that will get you into trouble or cause trouble, the gang I’m referring to is a chapter of one of many great CEO organizations that brings CEOs together like YPO (Young Presidents Organization), Vistage, Alliance of CEOs, One Accord, Convene, etc. Just last week, I kicked off the first CEO Peer Group for NACET (Northern Arizona Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology). As I drove home after the meeting, it all came back to me: the importance of a peer group … [Read more...] about Ask the CEO—Step 1: Become a CEO; Step 2: Join a Gang
United Way Kicks Off New Campaign This Week
More than 300 community partners marked the formal kickoff of the annual United Way of Northern Arizona (UWNA) fundraising campaign today, living up to this year’s theme that “Great Things Happen When We LIVE UNITED.” Led by 2015-2016 Campaign Chair and Coconino County Manager Cynthia Seelhammer and featuring keynote speaker Dr. Rita Cheng, president of Northern Arizona University, the kickoff celebration illustrated the United Ways focus on Education, Income and Health and how goals in those … [Read more...] about United Way Kicks Off New Campaign This Week