Sixteen Bokoshe eighth and ninth grade GEAR UP students recently toured NSU (Northeastern State University) in Tahlequah. Students began the day at the University Center where they were greeted by NSU Campus Visit Program Graduate Assistant Bailey Rush and NSU Student Ambassadors Montana Hale and Benjamin Smith. Rush presented students with an overview of NSU, including information about admissions and scholarships, campus life activities, and degree programs. After the presentation, students toured campus. The first stop on the tour was Seminary Hall, the oldest building on campus. The next stops on the tour were Centennial Plaza, Bagley Hall, and the Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions. While touring the Gregg Wadley College of Science and Health Professions, students met Dr. Craig Clifford and Dr. Michael J. Shaughnessy, Jr. Clifford spoke with the students about physiology and biology courses, and opportunities available at NSU. Shaughnessy shared artifacts from the Fish and Wildlife Taxidermy Lab.

“College tours are an important part of Eastern’s GEAR UP program as they give students a firsthand look at life as a college student,” said GEAR UP Education Coordinator Bethany Hicks.

The field trip was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College GEAR UP. Eastern received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant in 2017, and will serve more than 3,000 students in 39 area schools for seven years.