Presidential Search
RUSO Names Next Northeastern State University President
OKLAHOMA CITY – The Regional University System of Oklahoma Regents have named Dr. Rodney Hanley as the 20th president of Northeastern State University. Hanley will assume the presidency beginning August 1, 2023. A national search was conducted to fill the role after current president Steve Turner, who has served in the position for over a decade, announced his retirement earlier this year.
Hanley was most recently President of Lake Superior State University, a rural public university in Michigan, and brings over 35 years of leadership experience in higher education with him to Northeastern State University. His other past roles in higher education leadership include Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Fisk University and professor of Earth System Science and Policy at the University of North Dakota. Hanley has extensive experience in strategic planning, student, faculty, community and tribal relations, financial and enrollment management and fundraising.
“President Hanley is a collaborative leader who has worked closely not only with faculty and administrators but also with local and regional community leaders to create new opportunities for students. He understands and values the sovereignty of tribes and the opportunities for shared prosperity. He is the right choice to lead NSU into the future,” said RUSO Regent Chris Van Denhende, chair of the search committee. “We know Dr. Hanley will draw upon his academic expertise in sustainability and biology to find innovative ways to ensure Northeastern continues to provide Oklahomans with the degrees needed to enrich Oklahoma’s future.”
Hanley received a Doctor of Philosophy degree from the University of Kansas, master’s from the University of Cambridge, Master of Science and Bachelor of Science degrees from Eastern Illinois University and a certificate in Leadership in Education from Harvard University. Hanley will be joined in Tahlequah by his wife, Sara, and their sons, Harry and Edward.
“I’d like to thank RUSO’s Board of Regents for the opportunity to steward Northeastern into its next chapter,” said Hanley. “As the fourth largest university in the state, NSU graduates are vital to Oklahoma’s success. I am proud to accept the appointment, and I look forward to joining the NSU family and working with our faculty and staff to continue to serve our students.”
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Founded in 1909 on the rich educational heritage of the Cherokee Nation, Northeastern State University is the fourth-largest public and oldest institution of higher education in Oklahoma. For more information on NSU, visit www.nsuok.edu.
For more information about RUSO, visit www.ruso.edu.
The Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents invites applications
The Regional University System of Oklahoma Board of Regents invites applications and nominations immediately for the position of President of Northeastern State University, which will begin no later than Summer 2023.
As the institution’s chief executive officer, the president provides strategic leadership, leading the overall operations and administration of the university, reporting to the Regional University System of Oklahoma Regents (“Board”), and performing all duties required by law, policies, rules, regulations, and directives from the Board. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education (OSRHE) serves as the coordinating Board of the Oklahoma State System of Higher Education.
For more information and to learn how to apply, please click here.
Presidential Search Advisory Committee Members:
Regents
Regent Van Denhende, Chair Regent Ford Regent Parker
NSU Faculty
Dr. Nathan Green Dr. Alissa Proctor
NSU Administrators
Christy Landsaw Dr. Carla Swearingen
NSU Staff
Sara Barnett Nsakashalo Dr. Michael Jones Sydney Nichols- Rice Lorance Washington Jr.
NSU Student
Chelbie Turtle
Community Leaders/Alumni
Corey Bunch Sue Catron Susan Chaplan Plumb Jennifer Conway John Griffin Rob Headley Chrissi Nimmo Andrea Tucker Greg Wadley
![Tahlequah](https://offices.nsuok.edu/_resources/images/Tahlequah-campus-shot.jpg)
Tahlequah
Our main campus is located in Tahlequah, less than an hour southeast of Tulsa, in
the heart of Oklahoma's Green Country and nestled at the foot of the Ozark Mountains.
The Tahlequah campus is a blend of old and new, where rich history meets modern technology
all over campus. Northeastern State University traces its roots back to the founding
of the original Cherokee National Female Seminary in 1851, establishing us as a leader
in education in Oklahoma.
![Muskogee](https://offices.nsuok.edu/_resources/images/Muskogee-campus-shot.jpg)
Muskogee
NSU expanded to Muskogee in 1993 when we opened a 27,700 square foot facility on a
new 23-acre campus. The Muskogee campus meets the educational needs of about 1,400
students each year through a variety of undergraduate and graduate degrees.
We house many of Northeastern State University's health care degrees, as well as the
bachelor's degree in Organizational Leadership, which is part of Oklahoma's Reach
Higher Degree Completion Program.
![Broken Arrow](https://offices.nsuok.edu/_resources/images/BA-campus-shot.jpg)
Broken Arrow
Northeastern State University opened its third campus in 2001 in Broken Arrow, and
now serves more than 3,500 juniors, seniors, and graduate students. Our beautiful
campus has over 60 classrooms, 12 science labs, and 8 computer labs with modern equipment
and facilities for teaching and research.
NSU Broken Arrow offers our students a choice from over 30 undergraduate degrees in
business and technology, education, liberal arts, science, and health professions.