NSU Strategic Plan 2006

NSU Survey Results

Economic Development: NSU Creates Jobs, Draws Employment to the Area

TAHLEQUAH - With campuses located in some of the fastest-growing cities in Oklahoma, Northeastern State University is working to promote economic development in the communities it serves.

In a recent survey conducted by NSU, 91 percent of the 2,200 participants from a cross-section of alumni, students, employees, supporters, and community members said that four-year NSU degrees were of great importance to the economic development of their communities, and 77 percent claimed NSU graduate degrees were of great importance. A majority of respondents agreed that NSU had a positive economic impact throughout northeastern Oklahoma.

According to U.S. Census Bureau statistics released earlier this year, Tahlequah is the seventh-fastest growing city in Oklahoma, and the only one in the top 10 not connected to a major metropolitan area.

Educational opportunities rank high on the list of factors that draw potential employers to a community, creating jobs and adding to the economic well-being of the community. With quality public school systems and Oklahoma's premier regional university, Tahlequah, Muskogee, and Broken Arrow are poised to attract businesses seeking highly motivated and educated people for their workforce.

In addition to academic programs and degrees, survey respondents also agreed there was some importance in NSU certificate training, Continuing Education and Lifelong Learning, Adult Literacy Program, conferences, conventions, and meetings to the economic development in the area.

Having a workforce immediately available with a pool of highly educated job applicants to choose is an attractive option for employers considering locations for opening, moving, or relocating businesses. Businesses are more likely to look for communities with colleges and universities, which provide trained potential employees ready to enter the workforce. Survey respondents agreed, with 72 percent stating that NSU provides classes that prepare students for fields likely to attract potential employers.

Attracting employers to an area helps local economies thrive, with additional residents generating tax revenue, building homes, and patronizing other local businesses. Area residents view NSU's impact on the communities positively, with 88 percent stating that NSU has a positive overall impact on the economy.