In April 2021, thanks to a generous donation from Joanna Sturm, NAU became the proud owner of Hat Ranch, 200-year-old property that is rich in historical and ecological significance. Hat Ranch continues its legacy of education and conservation under NAU’s stewardship.
Hat Ranch currently operates as an event space, conference center, lodging facility, camp site and horse boarding facility. It also supports NAU students through hands-on learning, environmental research and academic exploration, including summer field courses in the areas of forestry, environmental science and astronomy. The vision now is to broaden access and opportunities for NAU students while inviting broader community use of the ranch as a unique destination. In support of this expansion, the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) in The W. A. Franke School of Business proposed a management plan for exploring sustainable growth opportunities.
Julieta Barajas, operations assistant manager at EPI, is working on ways to promote the ranch, increase public awareness, expand student engagement and generate sustainable revenue to support its future. As part of this work, she is working on revising the ranch’s reservation system and website to improve accessibility, visibility and the overall guest experience.
“Hat Ranch has deep historical significance with roots back to Theodore Roosevelt. It was once home to what was part of the largest purebred Arabian horse training operation in the country,” Barajas said. “We are working to honor its legacy by raising awareness, reintroducing equine services, and growing its impact. As part of our management plan, equine-assisted therapy will be incorporated into future offerings.”
Nancy Baca, director of EPI and associate teaching professor of economics, sees strong potential for the management plan to create long-term economic viability. “By expanding the portfolio of revenue-generating activities we can preserve and protect this unique asset.”
Interdisciplinary engagement plays an important role in the execution of the plan. Students in construction management, hotel and restaurant management, communications and other fields can apply their skills through real-world projects that contribute to both their education and the future of Hat Ranch.
“That is a big part of phase one of our plan: to get students and faculty involved in the property to help sustain it,” Baca said. “It is expensive to run, and generating revenue is essential. But with the right involvement, Hat Ranch could become part of NAU’s legacy, a place where students gain hands-on experience while helping bring life back to the ranch.”
For more information about Hat Ranch, visit nau.edu/hat-ranch.