Strategic Plan 2023
A Message from the:
Northeastern State University has a rich history that began before statehood. Its roots were firmly established when the Cherokee Nation opened the doors of the Cherokee National Female Seminary in 1851. Since then, NSU has been established as a leader in education. Our distinguished faculty, highly qualified staff and exceptional leadership have guided Northeastern throughout our past. They have endured fire, relocation, world wars and global pandemics.
A lesser institution might have folded; however, NSU prevailed due to its people, place and purpose, each of which has played an essential role in the fulfillment of our mission. Building on our Cherokee heritage, NSU is committed to student success and a sustainable future for our diverse communities. As we move forward and seek to advance NSU as a leader in education, we rededicate ourselves to Our People, Our Place and Our Purpose.
A new strategic plan, NSU: An Institution of Distinction 2023-2028, has been developed through the input of over 1,800 NSU employees, students and community members. This plan is supported by four pillars of excellence that identify goals, targets and key performance indicators. Our new strategic plan will ensure that NSU will be the Educational Partner of Choice, Enhance Workforce Connections, Ensure Student Success and Invest in Employees and Facilities.
We are thankful for the tremendous amount of effort spanning two years by the Strategic Planning Executive Committee, which gathered data and interviewed various stakeholders, Dr. Cari Keller, Dr. Kelly Jo Larsen, Dr. Kimberly Williams, Dr. Richard Reif, Dr. Peggy Glenn and Mr. Brian Manley.
I am proud to work alongside the NSU Family as we use this plan to provide direction and help move NSU into a thriving future!
Sincerely,
Dr. Rodney Hanley, President
I am pleased to be working alongside my colleagues on our new strategic plan, “NSU:
An Institution of Distinction 2023-2028.” When I consider what makes our institution
distinctive, I think about the unique opportunities that we have on our three campuses
in Tahlequah, Broken Arrow, and Muskogee, as well as our online offerings. Our students
benefit from a breadth of experiences and environments that broaden their learning
and help prepare them for diverse careers. Additionally, being embedded in these communities
allows us to form partnerships with individuals, companies, and tribes to meet the
needs of our local constituencies. Woven throughout our strategic goals is an emphasis
on meeting the needs of both students and our communities, which is at the heart of
our mission as a regional university.
Our strategic plan is built around four goals. First, we are committed to offering high-quality coursework in flexible modalities to help students pursue an education despite restrictions on their time and place. Second, we are committed to forging relationships with workforce leaders so we can provide an education that is relevant to today’s society. Third, we are committed to helping students succeed no matter their background or level of preparation. Finally, we are committed to giving our employees the tools and training they need to fulfill our goals.
I am proud of the work that we have already accomplished in year one and look forward to the next four years of progress!
Dr. Carla Swearingen, Provost

Mission
Building on our Cherokee Nation heritage, Northeastern State University is committed to student success and a sustainable future for our diverse communities.

Vision
NSU will support our students' success by adapting to a constantly changing, globally competitive environment, by educating today's learners to be tomorrow's leaders, and by being responsive to the needs of our stakeholders and the region's workforce.

Values
Our People
We are committed to the growth and success of our students, employees, and community
partners.
Our Place
We honor all who came before us and advance a culture grounded in respect, opportunity,
and belonging.
Our Purpose
We develop a collaborative environment that cultivates a life-long pursuit of learning,
excellence, creativity, and opportunity.
The Path Forward
For each of the four strategic goals, as well as for many of the enumerated outcomes, key performance indicators (KPIs) have been identified to measure change year-over-year. Where data is not currently available, key employees have been tasked with compiling that data in 2023-24 and establishing a benchmark accordingly. Each academic department and administrative division has already developed its own strategic plan for 2023 through 2028, which ties each departmental or divisional outcome and strategy to one or more of the four institutional goals. As with the institutional outcomes, departments and divisions have identified KPIs to measure change from year to year. NSU is exploring several software programs that provide dashboards, reports, assignments and other strategic plan inputs and outcomes by role and/or department or division. Once purchased and implemented during the 2023-24 academic year, the Strategic Plan Committee will be able to more easily track progress toward goals using the designated KPIs.
Blueprint 2030 - Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education