February 13, 2025

Dear colleagues,

Today marks a moment of great pride for Northern Arizona University as we are recognized with the Carnegie Research 1 (R1) designation—the highest classification for research institutions in the United States. This achievement is a testament to years of exceptional work by our faculty, staff, and students who drive research excellence and innovation every day.

Our R1 status recognizes the transformative impact NAU faculty have in their fields, creating new knowledge and driving innovation, as well as the quality and scope of our graduate programs that contribute to growing the next generation of researchers and practitioners. It also reinforces our dedication to a student-centered approach and the teacher-scholar model that is at the heart of our institutional identity. Our faculty are not only advancing cutting-edge research, but they are also providing exceptional educational experiences that prepare our students for dynamic, evolving careers in the modern workforce. 

I encourage you to read our full news release about NAU’s R1 status.

While we celebrate this historic milestone, I also want to acknowledge that we operate in a complex and changing environment. Recent federal actions have introduced new uncertainties into research funding—a challenge we face with transparency and resolve. As we navigate this new landscape, we remain committed to our mission of increasing student access, success, and career readiness, and to engaging in impactful research and scholarly endeavors across the disciplines. We continue to prioritize student engagement with research, focus on the strategically identified research areas where we have historically been strong, and seek opportunities to deliver impactful discoveries and solutions.

Thank you for your unwavering dedication to our mission. Let’s join in celebrating this tremendous success that places NAU at the forefront of universities throughout the country. And let’s move forward with optimism and purpose to tackle the challenges before us and leave a lasting impact on the word.

With pride,