NSU’s Rowdy the RiverHawk hosts students for "Walk and Roll" with Tahlequah Public Schools, Cherokee County Health Services

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. – Northeastern State University (NSU) partnered with Tahlequah Public Schools and the Cherokee County Health Services for the annual “Walk and Roll” event, bringing together roughly 50 local students for a morning dedicated to active living and community connection between the university and the young students at the Sequoyah Pre-K in Tahlequah.

Rowdy was joined by a dedicated group of NSU staff, including several NSU Police officers who rode alongside the children to ensure a safe environment.

The local initiative honored the National Bike & Roll to School Day, celebrated on May 6, to encourage students across the U.S. to bike, walk or scooter to school. Held annually during National Bike Month, the event promotes health, safety and community awareness while highlighting the importance of safer routes for children.

NSU President Rodney Hanley noted that creating early connections is vital to the university’s mission of making higher education more accessible and welcoming to the next generation.

"Our mission at NSU goes far beyond academic instruction; it is about building a community where everyone feels they belong," Hanley said. "Rowdy is a symbol of our pride and our presence. When people see our mascot out at events like Walk and Roll, they see the heart of our university and our commitment to being a supportive neighbor."

Brian Manley, NSU director of admissions and recruitment, emphasized that the presence of the university at local schools is a key part of NSU’s efforts to make higher education feel accessible and welcoming from an early age.

"Bringing Rowdy to these events allows NSU to engage with our community in a joyful, personal way that extends well beyond the classroom," Manley said. "It’s about building lasting connections and proving that the RiverHawk spirit is always there to cheer our community members on."

Desirae Bloomer, Community Prevention Specialist for Tahlequah Public Schools, enjoys seeing the joy on students' faces when they walk or bike with Rowdy. To her, it proves that when the community shows up, kids feel safer and more confident.

“Kids notice when people show up for them. When Rowdy came out to walk with our students, you could just see it on their faces,” Bloomer said. “When kids feel connected and cared for, that's when good things happen. They feel safer, more confident and more likely to thrive. Something as fun as walking to school with Rowdy the RiverHawk might seem small, but those moments add up.”

For more information about NSU, visit Go2NSU.com.

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