NSU, Love Bottling Company OSRHE Partnership Excellence Award

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education have recognized the longtime partnership between Northeastern State University and Love Bottling Company with a Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award for their collaborative efforts to support student recruitment and generate annual funding for the university.

The Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award highlights successful collaborations between Oklahoma colleges and universities and private businesses, promoting economic development and supporting the state’s higher education system through State Regents’ Economic Development Grants.

“Here at NSU, we are fortunate to have longstanding partnerships with companies like Love Bottling Company,” NSU President Rodney Hanley, said. “NSU is thankful for the continued support from our valued community partners.”

The Love Bottling Co. has remained a vested NSU supporter for over 20 years. The partnership has provided the university with resources such as soft drinks, sports drinks, branded water and specialty signage. These contributions have benefited staff, student organizations and student athletes during campus events.

The company has invested more than $2.6 million in the university, supporting academic research, professional development and faculty and staff initiatives—enhancing the overall NSU experience.

“We are working together to support the future of Oklahoma’s workforce by investing education and in the local community,” Hanley said. “I look forward to the continued growth of this partnership.”

NSU and Love Bottling Company are among 27 partnerships recognized this year with Regents Business Partnership Excellence Awards. Honorees were recognized at a ceremony on May 6.

To learn more about this year’s honorees, visit https://okhighered.org/2025/05/innovative-institution-business-partnerships-receive-regents-business-partnership-excellence-awards2025/.

###

Pictured left to right: Dennis Casey, Chancellor Sean Burrage, Steve White, James Gill, John Hutson, Dr. Rodney Hanley, Dr. Dan Mabery, Steven W. Taylor