Clara M. Lovett

“The First Woman President in NAU: Clara Lovett”

Clara Lovett accepted the presidency at Northern Arizona University, becoming the first woman to hold the top post at one of the three Arizona state universities. The story behind Dr. Lovett has a strong foundation of feminism and overcoming the obstacles of being the first female in a field, also caring for other minorities such as the quality of education for Native Americans.

Lovett undertook the role as the first female president for Northern Arizona University from February 28th 1994 until June 30th 2001, receiving strong support from members of the campus and the Flagstaff communities (1993, Northern Arizona University Associated Students). Her legacy of infusing diverse students, such as women and Native Americans continues today.
Lovett had strong communication with faculty and students. President Lovett, she said. “Maybe students have better ways of doing this” (1994, Northern Arizona University Associated Students). Lovett explained how the plan [for graduation] is for each individual graduate to be called by name and walk across the stage at a university-wide commencement. Newton told The Lumberjack all decisions regarding graduation have been made by Lovett. “The committee doesn’t make decisions; the committee makes recommendations” (1994, Newton). She had a strong sense of leadership and innovation, while still upholding adequate communication with the university body.
Under the advisement and, “leadership of its thirteenth president, Dr. Clara M. Lovett, NAU is positioning itself to meet the challenges of a global society and the needs of its students as it moves toward the twenty-first century and beyond” (1972, Image Taken during the Award Ceremony for the Pulliam Scholarship).
Lovett’s community involvement shows she truly wants to hear and connect with her university; for example, she hosted a study group on information technology platforms on June 20th 1997 to recommend and review major platforms needed, different alternatives, as well as technology direction. Not only was she innovative with the times, but she did it professionally; comparison charts were written up of the IBM and Sun Incremental costs.
Lovett's first day as NAU president
Dr Clara Lovett's picture hanging in the NAU Presidents' Room in Cline Library
Dr Clara Lovett's picture caption hanging in the NAU Presidents' Room in Cline Library
A flyer for the banquet that was held after Clara Lovett's Native American Retention Program was initiated
A different page from the flyer for the Native American Retention Program where Clara Lovett is listed as a guest speaker.
A document sent to Dr. Lovett approving her Native American program.
The Lumberjack posted a memoir on May 2nd, 2001 for President Clara Lovett's resignation.
This was just one of many objectives Clara Lovett made for the Native American Retention Program
The Lumberjack front page of the November 13th, 1996 issue picturing Dr. Lovett trying out a new career field.
An article from the Arizona Daily Sun commencing Clara Lovett for her Arizona Women's Education & Employment's Jeanne Lind Herberger Award she received in 2008.
Interview with Dr. Clara Lovett
https://ac.nau.edu/louieslegacy/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/My-Video.mp4