Northeastern State University or NSU for short, is a public university with the main campus located in Tahlequah, which is the county seat of Cherokee County, situated in the US state of Oklahoma, having a population estimated at a number of nearly 14 500 inhabitants, during the 2000 census. Besides being home to Nrtheastern State University, Tahlequah is also known for being featured in the book written by Wilson Rawls, called "Where the Red Fern Grows".

NSU was established in 1851, first starting as the Cherokee National Female Seminary. After having its name changed several times, over the years, the university finally adopted its current name in 1985. It is the oldest institution of higher learning in the state and, also, one of the oldest ones west of the Mississippi River.

NSU is currently the 4th largest university in the state, its main campus spanning over 200 acres and its total campus enrollment being estimated at a number of approximately 9 800 students.

Athletics

Northeatern State's athletic teams are known as the RiverHawks, which compete in NCAA Division II, in various sports for men and women, including in baseball, football, softball, basketball, tennis, golf and soccer. Their distinctive colors are green and silver and their mascot is Rowdy the RiverHawk.