NSU Strategic Plan 2006

NSU Survey Results

The Survey Says: NSU Scores 92 Percent Satisfaction Rate Throughout Oklahoma

TAHLEQUAH - An outstanding learning environment, caring and competent faculty and staff, and excellent academic programs are just some of the reasons why people are satisfied with Northeastern State University.

The results of a recent online survey conducted by NSU indicate a 92 percent overall satisfaction rate among employees, students, alumni, and community members, NSU President Dr. Larry Williams announced recently.

More than 2,200 individuals participated in the survey, which was available to the public on the NSU web site for several weeks in late spring.

Participants also gave high marks to NSU for the institution's educational value, small class sizes, and the convenience of branch campuses in Broken Arrow and Muskogee.

"We are pleased that the results of this survey confirm we are meeting the University's primary objectives," Williams said. "Our goal at NSU is to provide quality educational opportunities at affordable prices. Our faculty strives to prepare students to meet job challenges after graduation and our staff works hard to meet students' needs in an enjoyable learning environment. As we help students achieve their dreams, we are also playing a major role in northeastern Oklahoma's economic growth."

In addition to providing valuable information about NSU's responsiveness to the needs of students, results of the survey will be used to develop a Strategic Plan that will guide the University's goal setting as it enters a second century as an institution of higher learning in 2009.

Participants in the survey were invited to assess NSU's effectiveness in meeting the educational needs of northeastern Oklahoma communities and to rank the quality of learning experiences available to students. Participants were also asked to gauge the University's economic impact on the communities it serves.

NSU received high marks across the board for meeting the area's educational needs; offering educational opportunities that lead to better employment opportunities for graduates; and helping the area's economy to grow. Equally significant among those who took the survey was NSU's success in providing quality programs at a fair cost, providing a quality education at a reasonable price.

Each of NSU's five colleges - Liberal Arts, Business and Technology, Science and Health Professions, Education, and Optometry - along with the NSU Graduate College, were recognized for providing high quality educational opportunities.

The personalized hometown atmosphere of NSU, along with a low student-teacher ratio combined with one-on-one student interaction with professors, and small class sizes were particularly appealing for many respondents, who appreciate the ambiance of all three University campuses.

An overwhelming 91 percent indicated that NSU degree holders in northeastern Oklahoma communities have a direct impact on economic development in those communities. Not surprisingly, more than 88 percent also expressed willingness to help fund student scholarships that would give additional students the opportunity to earn college degrees.

"It is particularly gratifying that so many individuals who have been connected to NSU over the years continue to show their support," Williams said. "We know that educational opportunity opens doors and it is the individuals who have benefited in the past who are often most willing to enable others to pursue their dreams."

Respondents represented a cross-section of ages and income levels, divided equally among employees, students, alumni, and community members. The majority of respondents who are not currently students indicated they were very familiar with NSU's academic programs and had been connected to the University for a decade or longer.

Results also revealed that a majority of those who completed the survey would be likely to enroll in undergraduate or graduate degree programs or certificate training and supported the University's plans to add new degree programs to the nearly 100 already offered by the state's fourth-largest institution of higher learning.