History
Northern Arizona University, originally known as Arizona Normal College started with just 23 students and two faculty members. The first graduating class was comprised of four women who received lifetime teaching certificates for the Arizona Territory. In the 1950's, Northern Arizona University experienced a period of rapid growth. Much of this expansion can be attributed to Dr. J. Lawrence Walkup, who served the longest presidential term at Northern Arizona University to date (1957-1979). Due to the increase in academic programs as well as the rapidly growing student body, the Arizona Board of Regents suggested for the facility to change its name to Northern Arizona University, effective May 1,1966.
Specialties
NAU is a high research university that offers more than 80 undergraduate and 50 graduate degree programs.