Twenty-two McCurtain 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 Tim Gardenhigh and Cheyenne Johns. Rush presented students with an overview of NSU, including information about admissions and scholarships, campus life activities, and degree programs. Students learned that NSU is the fourth-largest university in the state of Oklahoma. After the presentation, Gardenhigh and Johns led students on a campus tour. Students visited John Vaughn Library, Leoser Hall, Seminary Hall, and the RiverHawks Wellness Center.
“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. Participating schools take two field trips each academic year—one to tour a college or university and one that is cultural/educational in nature. In 2017, Eastern received a $17 million federal GEAR UP grant, and serves more than 3,000 students in 39 area schools.
