As President of Northern Arizona University, I’m proud to share the transformative work underway through NAU Health—our university’s bold commitment to improving healthcare access and outcomes across Arizona.
Rooted in decades of excellence, beginning with our first nursing programs in the 1960s, NAU Health is now a multifaceted initiative preparing the next generation of healthcare leaders, providers, and advocates. Our mission is clear: to serve Arizona’s communities, especially those in rural and tribal areas, with highly trained professionals who reflect the people and resilience of our state.
We are expanding our impact through strategic investments in our academic infrastructure. The newly elevated College of Nursing is broadening its statewide reach to ensure every community has access to exceptional nurses. Our enhanced College of Health and Human Services is growing programs in Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Physician Assistant studies, and more. And our behavioral health offerings, especially in counseling, are addressing urgent needs with compassion and expertise.
NAU is committed to doubling the number of degrees awarded in health-related fields by 2030. This ambitious goal will be achieved by diversifying pathways, increasing accessibility, and maintaining affordability for students who are dedicated to serving their communities. By the end of the decade, we project that more than 8,600 NAU graduates will enter the state’s workforce in physical and behavioral health professions—ready to meet Arizona’s most pressing healthcare challenges.
NAU Health is more than an initiative – it’s a promise to the people of Arizona! Through innovation, collaboration, and an unwavering focus on opportunity, we are shaping a healthier, more vibrant future for all.
