Skip Navigation
 

Gather Here. Go Far.

With locations in Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow, NSU is Oklahoma’s immersive learning institution. Choose from in-person, blended or online learning options.

Explore Our Degrees

Scholarships

NSU is committed to assisting students in applying and earning scholarships. Whether you are an incoming freshman or a continuing/returning student, NSU has a wide variety of scholarship options for students to choose from.

Learn More

Clubs and Organizations

From networking to leadership opportunities, NSU’s over 80 clubs and organizations allow our students to build lasting relationships while getting the full college experience.

Learn More

Transfer Students

Whether you’re an incoming or current transfer student, NSU’s transfer advisors are available to assist you with transcript evaluation, information on degree programs and support services. NSU is where You Belong.

More Information

Graduate College

Whether transitioning to graduate school or returning to higher education, NSU’s graduate college is your next step. Choose from over 25 master's degrees and several certificate programs.

Learn More
Home/Riverhawk News/NSU recognizes the 2026 Outstanding Freshmen recipients

NSU recognizes the 2026 Outstanding Freshmen recipients

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) is recognizing 10 first-year students who are already making an impact on campus as recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Freshmen Award.

This annual honor highlights students who have distinguished themselves early in their college experience through academic achievement, leadership and campus involvement. Recipients are selected through a competitive interview process and share their experiences, leadership perspectives and goals for the future, reflecting the contributions they are already making in their first year at NSU.

NSU President Rodney Hanley praised the students for their early engagement and impact on campus.

“We are proud to recognize students who are already stepping into leadership roles within our campus community,” Hanley said. “They bring energy, curiosity and commitment to NSU, and we look forward to seeing how they continue to grow and contribute during their time here.”

The students were announced and honored during NSU’s 58th Annual Honors and Ovation Awards, the university’s annual student awards ceremony held in late April.

The 2026 Outstanding Freshmen recipients include:

Cookson

Nathan Allen

Edmond

Avery Shinn

Elk City

Cade Ellis

Fairland

Jaylee Campbell

Fort Gibson

Addison Rouse

Laine Jones

Sand Springs

Sarah Turner

Stigler

Luke Thompson

Stroud

Laci O’Donnell

Tahlequah

Hunter Otten

###

NSU Campus