NSU Receives Record $17 Million Gift From Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott

Staff Report | Cherokee 411

TAHLEQUAH, Okla. — Northeastern State University has received a record-setting $17 million donation from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott, the largest gift in the school’s 174-year history.

University officials said the unrestricted gift will allow NSU to direct funds toward its highest priorities, including student support, academic programs and community-focused initiatives.

Founded from the Cherokee National Female Seminary in 1851, NSU now enrolls about 8,000 students across its Tahlequah, Muskogee and Broken Arrow campuses as well as online programs. According to the university, roughly one-third of its students identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, 32% are first-generation college students and 35% are age 25 or older.

“This is a transformational moment for our institution and for the communities we serve,” NSU leadership said in a statement. “Because this gift is unrestricted, we can invest where the need is greatest and where it will have the most impact.”

Scott, an author and former Amazon executive, has given more than $19 billion to nonprofits and educational institutions since 2019. Her recent donations include major contributions to the Native Forward Scholars Fund and the United Negro College Fund. NSU is the second Oklahoma institution this month to receive a $17 million gift from Scott, following Northern Oklahoma College.

University officials said decisions on how to allocate the funds will be guided by long-term goals related to student success, faculty development and regional workforce needs.