University Years
1966-Present

NAU campus at night

In the 1950s, Arizona State College entered a period of exceptional growth. Students could earn an education specialist degree as well as masters in the arts and sciences. Much of the expansion can be attributed to Dr. J. Lawrence Walkup, who has the distinction of serving the longest term as President (December 21, 1957 to June 30, 1979). The road to university status began with the creation of the Forestry program in 1958 and increased research activities. Pleased with the array of quality academic programs and ever-growing student body, the Arizona Board of Regents recommended that ASC become Northern Arizona University effective May 1, 1966. In 1968, NAU received authorization to offer Doctorates of Philosophy and Education. The first doctoral candidates were graduated in 1973.

Dr. Platt Cline, noted Flagstaff historian, has characterized NAU as an institution that survived against the odds, one that continually skirmished with a skeptical legislature and competed with sister colleges in southern Arizona. He rightly credits strong leadership, the devotion of former students and faculty, and community support for the school's success.

Today, NAU's enrollment ranks in the top 4 percent of schools and colleges in the nation. Empowered by the Arizona Board of Regents to provide educational opportunities statewide, NAU now serves approximately 20,000 students. Internationally known, NAU has established partnerships with colleges and universities throughout the world, enhancing its comprehensive academic programs. Under the leadership of its thirteenth president, Dr. Clara M. Lovett, NAU is positioning itself to meet the challenges of a global society and the needs of its students as it moves toward the twenty-first century and beyond.