On July 25, Northeastern State University and Carl Albert State College announced they would be continuing their partnership that provides additional experiential learning opportunities for graduate students.

Carl Albert State College President Jay Falkner and Northeastern State University President Rodney Hanley signed the partnership agreement during a ceremony at the CASC Sallisaw campus.

“This program is more than just signing an MOU for a GA program,” Hanley said. “This is about providing opportunities for students. That’s what we do. At the end of the day, we get up in the morning for one primary purpose and that’s to come work to serve the students that come to our respective institutions.”

Hanley said these partnerships between institutions are important for supporting students who need someone in their corner.

Falkner said the hope for the collaboration was to all graduate assistants to bring fresh perspectives and innovative ideas. He said since the program’s inception, graduate assistants have contributed significantly to research, teaching and campus life efforts at CASC, showing the program’s success. “Since the inception of the graduate assistant partnership with Northeastern State University in 2021, our campus community has experienced immense benefits of this partnership.” Falkner said. “This initiative not only fosters a dynamic learning environment but also enhances the academic experience for both our students and faculty.”

The agreement, first signed in 2021, allows NSU master’s students to be hired as graduate assistants and be placed in designated offices on CASC campuses. Graduate assistantships will be available in various fields, including, but not limited to, athletics, housing and supporting roles in student affairs related activities and marketing and media.

“NSU’s agreement with Carl Albert State College delivers on our commitment to facilitate experiential opportunities that connect the classroom and the workplace for our students,” Dr. Iain Anderson, Dean of the Graduate College, said. “It is a creative solution for both parties that will particularly benefit NSU students who live in the Fort Smith area and take online classes with us. They are able to have that in-person immersive experience where they are.”

Graduate assistantships as part of the agreement will be offered during the fall 2024 semester. Anderson said there are currently eight positions available for 2024-25.

For more information about NSU’s Graduate College, visit gradcollege. nsuok.edu.