NSU awards record $1.38M in privately funded scholarships

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University awarded an all-time high of $1.38M in privately funded scholarships through the NSU Foundation in 2024, marking an increase of 3.2% over the previous year.

The record-breaking total was distributed across 1,284 individual scholarships with the average scholarship amount reaching $1,073 per recipient, the most awarded in a single year in the Foundation’s history.

Peggy Glenn, Executive Director for the NSU Foundation said the consistent increase in scholarships awarded by the NSU Foundation over the past decade can be attributed to several factors. These factors include a comprehensive campaign that launched from 2015 to 2020, for which donors primarily directed their gifts toward scholarship endowments. These funds produce income perennially, which has since led to a continued dedication of donor funding to new and existing NSU scholarships.

Along with the campaign, Glenn credits steady leadership at the NSU Foundation, with Dr. Jim Gore (’91) at the helm of the Investment Committee for nearly a decade, as well as Chrissi Ross Nimmo (’02, ’05) chairing the full NSU Foundation board of trustees since 2021.

The Foundation’s endowment is also invested in a diverse mix of stocks, bonds and alternative assets, allowing it to withstand short-term market fluctuations while continuing to support students in the long term. These scholarships are critical in helping students afford college, graduate with minimal debt and become future leaders in their communities.

“For many students, privately funded scholarships are the deciding factor in choosing NSU,” Glenn said. “Programs like the President’s Leadership Class Scholarship, which was the catalyst for the NSU Foundation’s creation in 1971, have enabled generations of students to attend NSU, develop leadership skills and complete their degrees without financial burden.”

NSU President Rodney Hanley emphasized the impact of these scholarships on student success.

“The generosity of our donors plays a crucial role in providing access to quality education,” Hanley said. “These scholarships help ease the financial burden for students while also empowering them to focus on their academic and professional goals.”

With the cost of higher education rising, the Foundation remains committed to increasing scholarship opportunities for students, easing the burden of inflation.

“By continuing to expand our scholarship offerings, we ensure that talented and dedicated students, regardless of their financial background, have the opportunity to pursue higher education,” Glenn said.

Individuals of companies interested in establishing a scholarship to support NSU students can contact Glenn at 918-822-3330 or by email at glennp@nsuok.edu.

Students can explore available NSU Foundation scholarships and apply online at scholarships.nsuok.edu.

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