Coconino News

There is something special about the first week of the academic year and the vibrancy of the first few days of the semester as we become acquainted (or reacquainted) with each other and the routines of the classes and activities before us. From a lifetime in higher education, this is a moment I always look forward to and cherish.

On our first day of academic year 2022-23, this moment is particularly special, because here at NAU we are welcoming the largest incoming full-time class and most diverse and talented student body in our 123-year history. I am so excited to welcome all of you to Northern Arizona University—the Jacks are back!

The accolades and accomplishments of this year’s Lumberjacks are countless, but I will keep this message short and share just a few things to know about our Lumberjack community as we embark on this bold new academic year that is full of promise. While there will continue to be some minor movement in the numbers and percentages over the next few weeks, the picture I share with you today is truly exceptional.

Students want to come to NAU.  

• We are projected to have the largest incoming full-time first year class of Lumberjacks ever.
• We are also projected to have the largest number of first-year Arizona resident students ever.

Our students are diverse.

• New first-year and transfer students reflect the highest percentage of students of color ever.
• We reflect the highest number of new Arizona resident first-year students of color ever.

Our students are talented and ready to excel.

• New first-year students have the highest core GPA ever.
• New Arizona resident first-year students have the highest core GPA ever.

International students are back.

• We have a more than 100 percent increase in international students compared to last year.

Students who took some time off are coming back.

• We have a 32% increase in returning students—those who took a break from NAU but reenrolled this year—we are thrilled to welcome these Jacks back to complete their academic journeys.

Our faculty is strong and thriving.

• There are more than 160 new members of our faculty family this year, and it is one of the most diverse and accomplished cohorts of teacher-scholars in our history.

It’s going to be another incredible year, and I am so thankful for all of you—our proud and caring Lumberjack community.

I am excited to see you on campus this fall. Let’s go Jacks!

Sincerely,

José Luis Cruz Rivera

President

Original source can be found here.