The History of North Eastern University

North Eastern University (NEU) began life as North Eastern College (NEC) in 1979 when the first stages of planning were started. These plans would lead to the establishment of an alternative university for the people of Khon Kaen and the North Eastern Province. Dr. Prapa Pukpo and Dr. Mungkorn Pukpo worked for eight years with an initial board of executives in the planning and organisation of NEC. Land located adjacent to Mittrapab Road was cleared and improved to create the necessary infrastructure for the new college. A Foundation Ceremony celebrated the completed construction of the Registry building on February 19, 1987. This would be the first building of the new college. Initial capital investment in the new college totaled some 90 million baht, covering the construction of the first three buildings on approximately 45 rai of land (7.2 hectares).

The hard work and effort of the founding members was rewarded on March 8, 1988 when NEC was legally established as North Eastern College. Subin Pinkayon, President of the Ministry of University Affairs, granted a license to Dr. Prapa Pukpo with support from Dr. Mungkorn Pukpo, who would become the first Chairperson of the College's board. The first Rector of NEC would be Chong Sirkum. NEC was welcomed by the University Affairs President as the 25th private college and congratulated for an application that was quickly approved due to the quality of land and buildings that NEC offered. NEC was officially established as a college and the utmost thanks must be given to the founding members who made it possible.

NEC offered its first degree programmes from July 12, 1988. Business Administration was the first Faculty of NEC and offered four year degree programmes in Accounting, Marketing, Finance and Banking, and Business Computing. The very next year, in 1989, the Faculty of Engineering was established offering degrees in Electronics and Electrical Engineering. In 1990 the Faculty of Communication Arts was created with a degree in Public Relations, this was followed by Journalism in 1996. On October 1 1992, NEC was allowed to open an MBA programme by the Ministry of University Affairs. In 1997 the Faculty of Law was established with the first students of the programme beginning in the second semester of that year. The Engineering Faculty was expanded in 1998 with the introduction of Civil Engineering and an application was lodged for a Mechanical Engineering degree, which was approved and opened in 1999.

1999 was a major milestone year for the college. In the past 12 years NEC had rapidly expanded and at the same time managed to produce quality graduates. In recognition of the quality education and management of NEC the college was allowed to formally change to a university. The license for the establishment of North Eastern University was signed on December 27, 1999 by Prajuab Chaisan, the President of the Ministry of University Affairs at the time. North Eastern University was born.

In December of 1999, NEU welcomed Dr. Siwasit Chamchong as its new President of the University. 2001 would prove to be another busy year of expansion for the university. An MPA programme was introduced to meet the needs of public service management. Two new Faculties were introduced, the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, and the Faculty of Economics. These would offer new degree options for prospective students of the school. A Certificate of Professional Teaching was also established to train professional standard teachers. The year of 2002 will bring another new programme to NEU, a Masters of Education will be offered in June of 2002.

North Eastern University to this day will continue to offer a quality education to its students. NEU has extensive support facilities for staff and students including air conditioning in every room, Faculty specific laboratories, an extensive computer network, English and Thai Libraries and a cultural center. NEU hopes to grow and expand into the future for the benefit of the Khon Kaen people and to aid in the development of the North Eastern province and Thailand.