NAU history

1899: The founding of Northern Arizona Normal School

NAU has come a long way since opening its doors in 1899 as the Northern Arizona Normal School (NANS). “Normal”, you ask? Back then, it’s what they called a college that trained future teachers—teaching them the best practices (or “norms”) for how and what to teach in classrooms.

NANS, as it was originally known, started with just 23 students, two faculty members (including the president!), and two sheepskin-bound dictionaries as teaching tools. It was one of many “normal schools” across the country—but NAU had a bigger future in store.

By 1901, the first graduating class—four pioneering women—earned their credentials to teach in what was then the Arizona Territory. As the school grew, so did its mission. In 1925, it earned the right to offer bachelor’s degrees in education, and by 1929, it became Arizona State Teachers College at Flagstaff.

1930–1940: “Depression industry”

Even when the Great Depression hit, the college didn’t just survive—it stepped up. President Grady Gammage famously called higher education a “depression industry” because it thrived in tough times. The college found ways to support students—offering jobs on the campus dairy farm, in the kitchen, or delivering newspapers—so they could afford to stay in school. Between 1930 and 1940, enrollment actually went up, and graduate programs began in 1937.

NAU’s roots in resilience, opportunity, and inclusivity run deep. In 1939, Ida Mae Fredericks became the first Hopi student to earn a college degree. Students came from mining towns, rural farms, the East Coast, and everywhere in between. Even during hard times, clubs and organizations flourished, bringing together a vibrant, diverse campus community.

1945: The impact of World War II

During World War II, NAU joined colleges across the country in supporting the war effort through the V-12 Navy College Training Program. This gave students a way to continue their education while preparing to become officers in the Navy. Like many schools at the time, NAU saw a big drop in enrollment—only 161 students were enrolled by 1945.

But when the war ended, everything changed. Veterans came back ready to build their futures, and NAU welcomed them with open arms. Enrollment surged, and the university began to expand beyond its original roots in teacher education. New programs in the arts and sciences took off, attracting more students with broader interests and career goals.

To reflect this growth, the school updated its name—first to Arizona State College at Flagstaff in 1945, and then simply Arizona State College in 1958. That same year, NAU launched one of its most iconic and respected programs: forestry. Today, this program is world-renowned and still going strong.

1966: Becoming Northern Arizona University

As the college kept growing, so did its ambitions—and in 1966, the Arizona Board of Regents officially gave it university status, naming it Northern Arizona University (NAU). Just two years later, NAU was approved to offer doctoral degrees in Philosophy and Education. By 1973, the first group of doctoral students proudly crossed the stage, marking another big step in the university’s evolution.

2007–today: Driving innovation in Business, Health, and Engineering at NAU

Fast forward to 2007, and NAU’s business program got a major boost. Thanks to a generous gift from entrepreneur Bill Franke, the college was renamed The W. A. Franke College of Business. The name came with more than just prestige—it included a brand-new, state-of-the-art 111,000-square-foot business complex designed to prepare the next generation of business leaders.

In 2022, José Luis Cruz Rivera stepped into the role of NAU’s 17th president, bringing fresh energy and a bold vision for the future. Just a year later, in 2023, NAU announced an exciting new chapter: the launch of the NAU Health initiative—a major step forward that includes plans to open a College of Medicine and train the next generation of healthcare professionals right here in Arizona.

That same spirit of innovation and investment continued in 2024, when tech leader and philanthropist Steve Sanghi made the largest single donation in NAU history to the university’s College of Engineering. His transformative gift is helping expand opportunities for students in high-demand STEM fields, grow research, and strengthen Arizona’s future workforce—cementing NAU’s role as a powerhouse in engineering and technology education.

Honoring our roots, shaping the future

From a one-room schoolhouse with 23 students to a thriving university shaping leaders in education, business, health, and beyond—NAU’s journey is one of resilience, growth, and purpose. As we look to the future, we carry forward a legacy built on access, opportunity, and innovation—always rooted in the strength of our community and our commitment to shaping a better world. Whether you’re a future student, a proud parent or family member, or a potential faculty member, you’re invited to be part of what’s next. The story of NAU is still being written—and you could be part of the next chapter.