Sereana Bird

The event was the NAU MLK Day of Celebration, which included remarks from the Black Student Union President, Kobe Lee, focusing on self-care and continuing the work of Martin Luther King Jr. A land acknowledgment was provided by Kiara Weathersby of the Indigenous Student Success Center, followed by a performance of "Lift Every Voice in Sync." Tracy Gleason, Director of the Office of Inclusion, thanked various university leaders and community members and emphasized the community's ongoing commitment to diversity and equity. President Jose Cruz Rivera delivered remarks reflecting on the meaning of Dr. King's words, particularly the quote regarding the moral universe bending towards justice, and emphasized that this bending requires relentless, determined action. The event also recognized the founding months of several Historic Black Fraternities and Sororities. Following the program, a commemorative march was scheduled.

This town hall meeting focused on planning for the Fall 2021 semester, specifically addressing public health protocols. Key discussion points included providing an overview of the COVID-19 virus, its spread via respiratory droplets/aerosols, the spectrum of disease manifestation, and the ongoing concern regarding long-term consequences (long haulers). The update covered the evolution of the virus, including the increasing prevalence of variants such as Delta, Alpha, and Gamma, and the efficacy of existing diagnostic tests and vaccines against these variants. Presenters emphasized that vaccines are highly effective against severe disease. Community immunity levels in Arizona were estimated, considering both vaccination rates (over 50%) and immunity acquired through prior infection. The discussion also noted lower vaccination uptake among younger age groups, who are effective at spreading the virus. Finally, non-pharmaceutical interventions like mask-wearing and social distancing were mentioned as supplementary protective layers.

Northern Arizona University's strategic roadmap focuses on access, student success, community impact, and excellence for all. Its vision is to be a preeminent engine of opportunity, vehicle of economic mobility, and driver of social impact in Arizona and beyond. The 'Elevating Excellence' roadmap articulates seven priority areas: academic excellence, student success, commitment to Indigenous Peoples, impactful scholarship, mission-driven faculty and staff, community engagement, and sustainable stewardship of resources. The 2030 goals further sharpen focus on increasing access, promoting student achievement, and growing impact, specifically aiming for advanced educational attainment and career preparedness, and enhanced economic mobility and community impact.

The meeting focused on Northern Arizona University (NAU) and its developments, including NAU Health, a forward-thinking initiative aimed at improving health outcomes for all Arizonans, particularly those in rural, indigenous, and underserved communities. NAU seeks to double the number of degrees awarded in health-related fields by 2030. The signature component is the College of Medicine, designed to be affordable, accelerated, teaching-focused, integrative, and founded on partnerships. Significant advances to existing programs in nursing, health professions, and behavioral health programs will be introduced. The School of Nursing will be elevated to a freestanding College. The number of degrees awarded and students retained to practice in Arizona across the Health Professions disciplines will be doubled.

The Board of Regents held a meeting where the president of NAU discussed the university's current state and future plans. Key points included NAU's strong financial health, increased enrollment, and a focus on becoming the university for all Arizonans. The president unveiled NAU Health, an initiative to improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved communities, by doubling degrees in health-related fields by 2030. This initiative includes launching a College of Medicine designed to address primary health care needs in Arizona. The board members expressed excitement and support for the vision, praising its alignment with NAU's service mission and its potential to address critical needs in rural and tribal communities.