Regents name Dr. Don Betz NSU President
By Jacob Unruh
Co-editor

After beginning his education career at NSU, Dr. Don Betz returns to the university after the Board of Regents of the Regional University System of Oklahoma named him the 16th president of NSU late Monday afternoon.
Betz began his career in 1971 as an assistant professor of political science and served until 1994 on the NSU campus. Since 2005 he has served as chancellor of the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
"I was there for 23 of its 100 years, so I feel like I'm coming back to a sort of alma mater," he said in a phone interview. "I have a lot of affection for the institution and have watched it from a distance with great interest and affection."
In his 23 years at NSU Betz served in various capacities, including vice president for University Relations, dean of Continuing Studies, director of the Sequoyah Institute and executive director of the Educational Foundation. He was also the founder and adviser of the President's Leadership Class and Model United Nations programs.
"Northeastern is an institution I have a great deal of history to. It's got a very good reputation as an institution of higher education," Betz said. "For Suzanne and me it's kind of like coming home."
The Board of Regents thought highly of Betz with the university approaching its Centennial.
"Following a thorough search process, we are confident that Dr. Don Betz is the right person to lead Northeastern State University," RUSO Chair Belva Howard said in a statement released by the university. "His extensive experience in higher education, along with his commitment to teaching and learning, will provide skilled leadership and direction for NSU. Dr. Betz brings to the position energy, enthusiasm and vision for the future, which is an excellent combination to guide Northeastern into its second century."
For five years Betz held the positions of provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Palmer College of Chiropractic and chief academic officer for the Palmer College of Chiropractic University System. In 1999, he was named vice president for Academic Affairs and professor of Political Science at the University of Central Oklahoma, and was serving as provost and vice president of Academic Affairs when hired at UWRF.
Interim President Kim Cherry expressed her happiness with RUSO's choice Monday.
"I am thrilled the Regents have made their decision and announcement," she said in a phone interview. "This will give us time to get him on campus before he starts on July 1 to meet the students.
"I think it will be a wonderful, wonderful time for the university and Dr. Betz has a lot to offer."
Betz began his association with the United Nations in 1982 as a consultant and later the liaison officer at the International Conference on the Question of Palestine. Two years later he served as the political affairs and liaison officer at the UN Conference on the Division for Palestinian Rights.
Betz earned his doctorate in international studies at the University of Denver in 1973 and also graduated from there with a Master of Arts in 1969. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science and philosophy from the University of San Francisco.
Betz's hiring marks the end of the search for a new president that began in December 2007.
"I'm glad the Regents have picked a president before we are out of school, number one," President Search Committee Member Joe Perez said. "My main concern was that the Regents would make the best decision for the students and would cater to their needs and be able to have open dialogue with them.
"He's familiar with NSU and will probably be willing to hit the ground running with the problems we have now, especially those facing students."
Betz assumes his duties on July 1, but hopes to be in Tahlequah before graduation.

"I would like to try to get there prior to commencement...but right now we'll just kind of take care of business," Betz said.

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