[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 8]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 11645]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




   HONORING DR. JOHN HAEGER ON HIS RETIREMENT FROM NORTHERN ARIZONA 
                               UNIVERSITY

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ANN KIRKPATRICK

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 9, 2014

  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend and 
extraordinary educator in my community of Flagstaff, Arizona, Dr. John 
Haeger, who is retiring after 13 years as president of Northern Arizona 
University (NAU).
  NAU is one of the great universities in my state and, with Dr. 
Haeger's vision and commitment, has become one of the best universities 
in the country.
  Collaborations and partnerships were a hallmark of President Haeger's 
leadership and legacy. His pursuit of creative funding solutions in the 
face of increasing enrollment and budget constraints contributed to the 
university's reputation and educational mission, provided alternative 
revenue sources and created efficiencies at every level. New ventures 
with public and private entities--such as TGen North, the High Country 
Conference Center and the Northern Arizona Intergovernmental Public 
Transportation Authority (NAIPTA) transportation spine that has become 
central to the growth of NAU--also played a role in the university 
keeping up with growth.
  The physical transformation of NAU--both in Flagstaff and throughout 
the state--is a defining aspect of President Haeger's legacy. Under his 
watch, dozens of new buildings have been added or renovated, the result 
of careful and deliberate planning and a demonstrated commitment to 
sustainability during economically challenging times. They include the 
new W.A. Franke College of Business and Engineering School, nearly a 
dozen new services including an expanded University Union, a Native 
American Cultural Center, new transportation options through NAIPTA and 
new parking structures, expanded opportunities statewide for NAU 
students with campuses in North Valley, Tucson, Yavapai and others and 
new residence halls to accommodate the phenomenal growth of the 
university.
  His commitment to affordability and accessibility is intrinsically 
linked to NAU's mission. In 2008, President Haeger initiated the 
tuition pledge guaranteeing the same tuition rate for each incoming 
undergraduate student for four years. It's a promise of predictability 
that has become not only a motivating factor for choosing NAU but that 
also serves as an incentive for students to complete their degree in 
four years.
  His charge has been largely devoted to fundamentally changing the way 
college-bound students gain access to higher education. Some of the 
university's most pioneering alternatives to the traditional four-year 
college experience also have emerged under his watch. The cost-saving 
model at NAU-Yavapai garnered the attention of Governor Jan Brewer, who 
called it ``visionary'' and ``an example for the entire state and the 
nation.'' The award-winning 2NAU joint admission program with community 
colleges across the state has won a statewide award for helping 
students earn college degrees. Students save money by completing their 
first two years at the community college tuition rate.
  The Personalized Learning program that launched last year is now at 
the forefront of the emerging competency-based movement.
  Under Dr. Haeger's leadership, he helped NAU in the resurgence of 
athletics by hiring its first vice president for Intercollegiate 
Athletics. His bold leadership was critical to the effort to re-
energize Lumberjack pride and draw more fans to athletic events. Fan 
support is at an all-time high, and a new athletics branding effort 
puts the focus on such ideals as strength, pride, heroism, 
determination and hard work.
  In this effort to improve athletics, NAU has impressive standards for 
its student-athletes: succeed in the classroom, contribute to the 
community and win. NAU Athletics has twice under Haeger's leadership 
been honored with the prestigious Big Sky Conference Presidents' Cup, 
recognizing overall athletic success in competition and in academics.
  Finally, from his first days leading the University, President Haeger 
was committed to diversity, first-generation students and student 
success. His Student Success Initiative ambitiously implemented a 
number of programs to increase freshman retention and, ultimately, the 
percentage of students who complete their degrees. The First-Year 
Learning Initiative is an extensive effort to boost the effectiveness 
of first-year courses by creating an environment that supports student 
effort. One of the greatest strides in this area has been the launch of 
University College, which brought about curricular change at the first-
year level as well as a culture change to provide new students with the 
framework they need to thrive academically. It's a giant leap in 
efforts to retain students at a higher level from their freshman to 
sophomore years, and from there to help them graduate on time.
  The Lumberjack Mathematics Center combines the sophisticated 
technology with enhanced personal contact from their instructors. 
Governor Brewer called NAU ``a true pioneer of education innovation'' 
and called the center an example of its ``steadfast commitment to its 
students.''
  A tangible representation of NAU's commitment to serving Arizona 
tribes, the Native American Cultural Center connects students to their 
culture and supports them through mentoring and advising. The center 
also directly supports Native student organizations, recruitment and 
retention efforts. NAU has earned a welcome place among the best 
colleges in the nation for Native Americans.
  NAU's Center for Military and Veteran Student Center reflects 
President Haeger's commitment to our veterans and active-duty soldiers. 
The center has earned recognition for its efforts, including `Military 
Times' Best for Vets designation in the Southwest region and a 
military-friendly designation from `GI Jobs.' The Veteran Student 
Center in the business college ranked No. 6 among public business 
schools, No. 10 overall and is the top business school for military 
veterans in Arizona.
  Mr. Speaker, as you can see, President Haeger's contribution to NAU 
is lasting. NAU, and the Flagstaff community, will miss him but we are 
better for having him. His commitment to education is unheralded, yet 
his legacy will endure. I'm proud to call you a friend, Dr. Haeger. 
Thank you for your service to NAU and to providing a bold vision for 
our future generation of leaders.

                          ____________________