The spring semester is officially underway, and the campus is abuzz with energy and excitement as our students returned for their first week of classes. I want to extend my gratitude for the preparation and commitment each of you has shown to ensure a smooth start. This semester promises to be filled with engaging activities, new opportunities, and moments that will further the success and impact of Northwestern. Let’s embrace this busy season with enthusiasm and a shared dedication to our mission.
ULS President’s Retreat and Board Meeting
This week, I participated in the University of Louisiana System President’s Retreat and Board Meeting. The discussions centered on the state of higher education in Louisiana and collaborative strategies to strengthen our system. I’m proud to report that Northwestern is well positioned to contribute significantly to these efforts. Our strategic initiatives in enrollment, workforce development, curriculum innovation, and public-private partnerships align closely with the broader goals of the system. It is clear that we are making meaningful strides toward solidifying our leadership in these areas.
Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration
Northwestern State University’s Gail Metoyer Jones Center for Inclusion and Diversity is hosting events honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. This weekend, students and community groups collaborated on projects emphasizing justice, service, and activism. On Monday, January 20, weather permitting, the celebration will continue with a march starting at the Ben Johnson Educational Center at 10:30 a.m., culminating in a program at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Triangle. Special thanks to Brittany Broussard, Dr. Jasmine Wise, and Ramiya Lewis for their dedication in organizing these impactful events. Students, faculty, staff, and the Natchitoches community are encouraged to participate.
Athletics Update
Our basketball teams are competing well in the Southland Conference, although both took tough losses at home Saturday to good Southeastern teams. The SLU women, defending conference champions, remained unbeaten in SLC play after a hard-fought win over Coach Anna Nimz’ team, which still ranks third in the 12-team standings. The men’s game came down to the final half-minute when SLU hit a go-ahead basket and the Demons missed a contested layup just before the final buzzer. Coach Rick Cabrera’s team stands in the top six in the SLC race. Monday’s home game with our men hosting UNO has been moved up to 1 p.m. so that the visitors can get home before wintry weather impacts their travel.
Our track and field season began this weekend with a spectacular performance by the women’s 4×400 meter relay team in a meet at Texas Tech. Maygan Shaw, Tranasia Jones, Margaret Conteh and Samari Finney posted a school and Southland Conference record time of 3:40.74, breaking a five-year-old standard. Northwestern was the only non-Power 4 team in the top 10 with our eighth-place finish. Congratulations to the student-athletes and coaches Mike Heimerman and Adam Pennington for this latest milestone.
I joined avid supporters of our softball program at a wonderful fundraising dinner and auction Saturday night at Riverside Reserve. It was a great start to the first season with our new coach, Jenny Fuller, and her staff. Thanks to all who attended.
This Saturday evening at 6:00 p.m. in Prather Coliseum, I encourage you to join me at the Demon Baseball Auction featuring our own David Fry, the 2024 Major League Baseball All-Star. We will retire David’s No. 1 Demon jersey. His MLB accomplishment combines with his outstanding NSU career and his personal character to warrant this high honor from his alma mater.
It’s hard to realize crawfish season is beginning considering our weather, but it’s easy to anticipate the boils and fellowship ahead. You will not enjoy bigger, juicier crawfish than those brought in by the Demon Brothers Booster Club group of football alumni for the Fourth Annual Delaney Fest on Saturday, April 26 at the Collins Pavilion, following the Joe Delaney Bowl spring game that morning. The event will include three bands, one fronted by former Demon center Thomas Little, and along with crawfish, the meal will include jambalaya. For details and tickets, visit the DemonBrothers.org website.
Mike McConathy Court Dedication
The basketball court at Prather Coliseum will be officially named the Mike McConathy Court to honor Louisiana’s all-time leader in college basketball coaching victories. The dedication will occur during halftime of the men’s basketball game against Stephen F. Austin on Saturday, February 15. The women’s game will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by the men’s game at approximately 3:30, with the court recognition around 4:15. A tribute lunch will be held between the games. Friends and fans planning to attend the lunch should RSVP by February 10 at www.nsu.la/mcconathy where they can also submit photos for a slideshow honoring Coach McConathy. The entire Northwestern community is encouraged to join in celebrating this significant event.
Campus Closures
All Northwestern State University campuses will be closed on Monday, January 20, in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day; and Tuesday, January 21, due to expected winter precipitation. Forecasters are predicting snow accumulations throughout northwest Louisiana as well as strong winds and icy road conditions. We will continue to monitor weather conditions and announce updates via messenger, social media, and our website. Be safe.
As we move into the semester, I encourage you to stay connected and engaged with the many initiatives and activities happening across campus. Your input and collaboration are vital to ensuring our continued success. Thank you for your hard work and dedication to Northwestern. Together, let’s make this semester a remarkable one filled with accomplishments and milestones.
President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University