Nominations for Northeastern State University 2026 Centurions to open Nov. 1

Tahlequah, Okla. - Nominations for the 2026 Northeastern State University Centurions will open Nov. 1, 2025.

Established in 2009 as part of NSU’s Centennial Founders Day Celebration, the Centurion tradition honors individuals whose leadership, influence, and achievements reflect the mission and values of the university. Each spring, up to 10 new names are added to the Centurion list, recognizing NSU alumni, faculty, staff, and students—past or present—who have impacted the life of their nominator, the Northeastern community, or the public at large.

Centurions have come from all walks of life, each leaving a lasting mark on NSU’s story.

“Centurions represent the people who have helped shape Northeastern State University into the institution it is today,” said NSU President Dr. Rodney Hanley. “Their influence can be seen in our traditions, in the strength of our community, and in the experiences of our students. By recognizing them, we honor NSU’s long and rich history while also celebrating the new and exciting chapters still being written.”

Among those previously honored as Centurions are former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation Bill John Baker; country music artist and NSU alumna Carrie Underwood; longtime NSU athletic director Dr. Jack Dobbins; and entrepreneur and philanthropist Jeff Reasor.

Nominations for the 2026 Centurions will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2025. Honorees will be announced early next year and formally recognized at the Centurion Luncheon on March 6, 2026.

For more information or to submit a nomination, visit nsuok.edu/CenturionNomination or call Paige Stevenson Anderson at 918-444-2000.

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