NSU continues to receive recognition..

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. -- Northeastern State University continues to receive recognition for its excellence in community service.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Corporation for National and Community Service has named NSU to the Presidents Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Additionally, Northeastern was named to the Honor Roll with Distinction. Seven other Oklahoma universities were placed on the roll, but NSU was the first in the state and only institution named "with distinction."

Faculty, staff and students work year-round to better the community in which they live and work. Due to the work, dedication and commitment placed into these efforts, the recognition is cherished by NSU.

I hope this recognition brings awareness to NSU's strong commitment to community and civic engagement, said Dr. Laura Boren, vice president of student affairs.

NSU has multiple service programs that enrich the community around it. The programs submitted for consideration for the honor roll were the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service, the President's Leadership Class Oaks Indian Mission Program, the Fall Festival Halloween Carnival, the NSU Reading Clinic, the hosting of students from Tulsa's Knowledge is Power Program and the NSU Math Clinic.

Boren said these specific programs were chosen for reasons such as K-12 community partnership, Native American focus, unique aspects of community service and academic focus.

I believe that NSU's involvement in the community is essential to student learning and essential to us fulfilling our regional stewardship commitment, said Boren.Service is vital to our institutional culture of learning.

At NSU, an environment of service is built by faculty and staff and offered as an example to students. Students are encouraged and given opportunities to contribute to the surrounding community.

An atmosphere of community service influences students' commitment to serve, said Boren.The service atmosphere brings students together to work on a common objective.

Through service, students can also learn life lessons, gain camaraderie with peers and obtain a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Service experiences empower students to create positive change, said Boren. Service experiences also build leadership skills.I believe that it is vital for all our students to engage in service because of the personal growth that occurs as a result of serving.

Community service and projects also generate greater involvement for students on campus. Boren said students become more engaged in learning and with NSU, which results in positive experiences with and positive attitudes about Northeastern.

NSUs commitment to service, and teaching the value of service to its students, has created a campus environment that receives national recognition.

This is a national recognition for service excellence, said Boren. Our efforts are contributing to our institutional mission and commitment to civic engagement.