Lighthizer announced as new NSU College of Optometry Dean

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – After a nationwide search, Northeastern State University has selected Dr. Nathan Lighthizer as the Dean for the NSU Oklahoma College of Optometry. Lighthizer officially took over his new position July 1.

Lighthizer previously served as the associate dean of NSUOCO, where he worked to promote the college at local, state and national levels. He worked with the Cherokee Nation, local leaders, the Oklahoma Association of Optometric Physicians and alumni to advance the scope of practice for optometrists nationwide.

“I am most looking forward to working with the students, residents, faculty and staff of NSUOCO in helping to continue to build on the great things that have been accomplished at NSUOCO over the years and decades,” Lighthizer said. “We stand on the shoulders of giants that have come before us, and we continue to strive to elevate NSUOCO to the highest levels possible. Our staff and faculty are so dedicated to the success of our students and residents, and the best care of our patients and I look forward to working together to explore new ways to expand and elevate that.”

Lighthizer said he hopes to continue to push the limits of what optometric education is and what it does for patients.

With the construction of the new home for NSUOCO underway, Lighthizer will guide the transition upon the completion of the project.

“We are so very excited about our new building project,” Lighthizer said. “We are slated to move into the new building at the start of the fall semester in 2025. We are expanding our offerings of clinical services, elevating the technology in the classroom and clinics and will have the ability to hold more conferences and courses in Tahlequah with this state-of-the-art facility. We are so excited for the future of NSUOCO.”

Lighthizer earned a Doctorate in Optometry from Pacific University College of Optometry. Prior to joining NSU’s faculty in 2010, he completed a residency in Family Practice Optometry with an emphasis on Ocular Disease through NSUOCO.

“Dr. Lighthizer’s dedication and vision have already made a significant impact on our institution, and we are confident that under his leadership, NSUOCO will continue to excel and innovate,” NSU President Rodney Hanley said.

NSUOCO is one of only 24 optometric training schools in the nation and the only optometric training school in Oklahoma. NSUOCO students, residents and faculty experience over 40,000 patient encounters annually.

For more information about NSUOCO, visit optometry.nsuok.edu.

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