NSU strengthens commitment to outreach for Hispanic communities

TULSA, Okla.  — Northeastern State University recently celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month at the second annual Festival de la Herencia Hispana at the Tulsa Gathering Place. The event was part of the institution’s ongoing outreach and support initiatives for local Hispanic communities and students.

The event was hosted by Tulsa Public Schools and local sponsors in order to showcase the diverse cultures, traditions and services offered by the Hispanic community in the Tulsa area.

As part of the institution’s continued support of the Hispanic community, NSU participated as an educational sponsor and contributor to the festival, enabling families to connect with college recruiters and establish meaningful connections.

“We were one of the sponsors of the event as an education institution,” Dr. Eloy Chavez, Dean of the College of Extended Learning, said. “Unfortunately, it got rained out early but it was still a very popular event and we made a lot of wonderful contacts and had some good cultural experiences.”

Chavez said NSU heard of the event through its partnership with Vega – Trevino, a marketing and communications firm in Tulsa. NSU has partnered with Vega – Trevino as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting cultural diversity and fostering an inclusive community on campus. This partnership is aimed at boosting the outreach for the Hispanic student population at NSU, allowing them to feel seen, heard and supported, not just recruited.

“Participating in events like these gives NSU an opportunity to genuinely connect with students and families,” Margarita Vega, marketing and public relations executive with Vega – Trevino said. “Sponsoring events like these give NSU not just the opportunity to connect, but lets students and their families know that the school values and celebrates their cultural heritage.”

Vega – Trevino assisted NSU in conducting a market research study in the spring of 2023 with Latino students and their families. The study provided immediate, intermediate and long-term recommendations for the institution. Vega emphasized the importance of implementing these tasks and said the future for Hispanic students at NSU is bright.

“These changes are exciting,” Chavez said. “NSU already embodies diversity on numerous fronts, and by extending its outreach to the Hispanic community, they will truly discover the exceptional qualities that NSU has to offer.”

Hispanic Heritage Month runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15. It provides an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the culture and traditions of Hispanic and Latino Americans in the United States. NSU is dedicated to acknowledging and supporting the invaluable impact of Hispanic and Latino individuals on society and sharing their cultural heritage with the community.

For more information on services and programs at NSU, visit www.nsuok.edu.