Join NAU in Phoenix: The new NAU North Valley facility will celebrate its grand opening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at 15601 N. 28th Ave., Phoenix.

New facility expands
NAU's reach, community service

Northern Arizona University is opening its first large-scale, stand-alone facility in the Phoenix area, furthering its goal of affordability and accessibility to higher education and strengthening partnerships with the surrounding educational community.

NAU has opened a 40,000-square-foot facility in north Phoenix that will offer NAU and community college classes and house academic and student services.

"This facility is another example of how Northern Arizona University is moving forward to meet the needs of today's students, whether they are in Flagstaff or anywhere in Arizona," said NAU President John Haeger.

Fred Hurst, vice president for Extended Learning and dean of Distance Learning, shares similar beliefs. "The phenomenal growth we're seeing reflects the changing face of Arizona's higher education students," he said. "NAU is first and foremost a residential undergraduate institution, but distance learning is an enormously important part of our mission."

A grand opening celebration for the new building is planned for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 4 at 15601 N. 28th Ave.

The new facility serves about 750 NAU students in 21 academic areas. Two additional important areas—occupational therapy and physician's assistant program—are under development while awaiting legislative funding.

Additionally, Glendale Community College will sublease space for 44 classes this spring, which will allow smooth transfer from GCC to NAU. The university also can serve northwest Valley school districts with meeting space or training sessions at the facility.

"Being an integral part of the community is vital to our success," Haeger said. "We view ourselves as stewards of the community. We also have committed to offering vital health professions programs that are not being offered by other public institutions."

The north Phoenix facility boasts advising, financial aid, a computer lab, a cafe, student lounge and counseling services connected with the community and school counseling programs.

"We have modern classrooms with the latest in technology that make it an excellent learning environment for students and faculty," Hurst added.