Northeastern State University
From Free net encyclopedia
Image:Nsutahlequah.gifNortheastern State University (NSU) is located in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with branches in Broken Arrow and Muskogee. The university was founded in 1851 under the name Cherokee National Female Seminary. NSU is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state of Oklahoma as well as one of the oldest institutions of higher learning west of the Mississippi River. It boasts the only College of Optometry in Oklahoma, and the largest enrollment of Native American students of any public institution of higher education.
NSU offers 69 undergraduate degrees, 18 graduate degrees, and 13 preprofessional programs in 5 colleges (Business & Technology, Liberal Arts, Education, Optometry, and Health & Science Professions). The student-to-faculty ratio is 26 to 1. There is also a distance learning program, where students who cannot attend the university due to work or family obligations can complete courses via the internet or videoconferencing.
NSU's athletic teams compete in the NCAA Division II. The men's teams are known as the Redmen, while the women's teams are known as the Lady Reds. The men's basketball team won the Division II championship in 2003. Other teams include women's basketball, football, softball, baseball and men's and women's soccer, golf and tennis.
One of the unique opportunities for students at the Tahlequah campus is the Jazz Lab. Created in 1993, the building serves as a place where talented musicians can practice performing and listeners can enjoy the music. In addition to a performance venue, the Jazz Lab is also the site of the jazz program offices and classes. The university has two student jazz ensembles, and recently created a music major specializing in jazz.
Favorite hangouts and restaurants of NSU students include the Iguana Cafe, Sam & Ella's Chicken Palace (Pizza), The Town Branch Eatery & Pub, Flo's Cafe (located on campus in the Florence Willson Hall), and Vidalia's. The night life includes Neds, Club Effex, The Cubby Hole, and Roxy's Roost on the Illinois River (Oklahoma).
American Idol 4 winner Carrie Underwood was a senior at NSU.