NSU Alumni Association adds two new board members

(Tahlequah, Oklahoma) - The Northeastern State University Alumni Association welcomes Suzanne Myers, of Tahlequah, and Dr. William Rauch, of Silver Spring, Maryland, to its board.

Myers is a realtor for Century 21 Wright Real Estate. She graduated from NSU in 1984 with a degree in tourism management and again in 1993 with a degree in college teaching. Myers is a lifetime member of the Tahlequah Area Chamber of Commerce and serves as a board member ambassador for the chamber. Myers was a staff member at NSU from 1984 to 2016 and served in a variety of roles within Student Financial Services, Student Affairs and Transfer Programs during that time. She retired in May 2016.

"I consider my time at NSU, both as student and staff, to be a wonderful time in my life, Myers said. I have always looked for opportunities to give back to NSU and serving on this board will be a wonderful way to do that. I hope to be able to renew membership and friendships and think this is a wonderful way to achieve that goal."

Rauch has more than 35 years of research experience as a research analyst and principal investigator, including projects on the regional and national levels. His research on ignition interlocks to reduce drunk driving has been adopted by all 50 states and has saved an estimated 10,000 lives. He graduated from NSU in 1970 with a Bachelor of Science in biology, He received both a Master of Science and a Doctorate in physiological chemistry under a full National Institutes of Health fellowship. Rauch is a member of Whos Who in America and was recently nominated for a Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.

"Going to NSU on tennis and music scholarships changed my life. It allowed me to graduate from college and go on to graduate school to get a master's and a Ph.D.," Rauch said. "I am so grateful to Northeastern and want others to have the same opportunity I had. Unfortunately, the legislature has drastically reduced funding to state institutions of higher learning and the school is now more dependent than ever on alumni generosity to make up the difference."

Alumni Association President Andrea Tucker said shes looking forward to serving with Rauch and Myers.

Bill and Suzanne are both strong advocates and supporters of the University who have chosen to contribute their time and talents for the benefit of the university, students and alumni community, Tucker said. Were looking forward to having them on the board.

Director of Alumni Services Daniel Johnson said hes excited to have Myers and Rauch join the board.

"They will each contribute new energy and unique insights and talents to the board, he said. The passion and dedication to NSU runs deep with both of them, and I know they will be instrumental in expanding the impact of Alumni Association outreach efforts."