The spring semester is now in full swing, and it has been energizing to see our campuses active with students, faculty, and staff. As we move forward, I hope you and your families are staying safe and warm amid the winter weather. Below are a few highlights from recent activities across Northwestern State University.

Demons on the Road

This week was filled with excitement as our Demons on the Road tour continued with events in Covington, New Orleans, and Thibodaux. These gatherings continue to provide meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect with prospective students and families, and we have several additional stops planned in the weeks ahead. I encourage you to attend events in your area when possible. For a full listing of upcoming Demons on the Road events, please click here.

Educators Rising

On Wednesday, Northwestern hosted the 2026 Regional Educators Rising Conference at the Teacher Education Center. Educators Rising is a national membership organization dedicated to supporting aspiring educators and their mentors. The conference welcomed students from six middle and high schools across five parishes to network and participate in interactive competitions. This marked the sixth year Northwestern has hosted the regional conference, and we are proud to continue supporting the development of future educators. Special thanks to Dr. Kristen Walker Authement for her leadership and hard work in organizing this impactful event.

NSU Honored at Fort Polk MWR Sponsorship Appreciation Dinner

Northwestern State University was honored to be recognized at the Fort Polk Morale, Welfare, and Recreation Sponsorship Appreciation Dinner last week. Supporting soldiers, military families, and the greater Fort Polk community is central to our mission, and partnerships like this reflect our shared commitment to service and engagement. Special thanks to Martha Koury, Director of the NSU Leesville and Fort Polk Campus, and Michelle Stephens, Military Liaison for NSU at Fort Polk, for representing the university at the event. We are grateful to Fort Polk MWR for the recognition and for the vital work they do in support of our military community.

University of Louisiana System Board Meeting

On Thursday, I traveled to Baton Rouge for the University of Louisiana System Board meeting, where I joined fellow presidents in discussions focused on advancing the growth and development of our system and Northwestern State University. Our strategic initiatives in enrollment, workforce development, curriculum innovation, and public private partnerships align closely with the goals of the ULS Strategic Plan. These conversations reinforced that we are making meaningful progress and moving forward with shared purpose in service to the state we call home.

Athletics Update

Winter weather impacted several athletic events this weekend, with basketball games and tennis matches postponed. We are hopeful that the men’s basketball game at Stephen F. Austin, moved from Monday night to Tuesday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., will be played as scheduled. The game will be televised nationally on CBS Sports Network.

Both basketball teams dropped Southland Conference road games last week, with each contest decided in the final minute. The men fell at Houston Christian, and the women were edged at Stephen F. Austin.

Congratulations to sophomore sprinter Will Achee, who was named Southland Conference Track and Field Male Athlete of the Week following record-breaking performances at Texas Tech’s Corky Classic. Our track teams will compete next weekend at Pittsburg State University in Kansas.

On Thursday, our reigning Southland Conference champion Lady Demon tennis team will open its home schedule at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. Doubles play against Jackson State begins at 11:00 a.m.

Thursday evening at 6:30 p.m., the Lady Demon basketball team will host Nicholls on Mike McConathy Court in Prather Coliseum.

Campus Closure

All campuses of Northwestern State University will be closed on Monday and Tuesday, January 26th and 27th, due to winter storm conditions. We will continue to monitor the situation in coordination with the National Weather Service and local officials and will provide updates through official university communication channels, including the Northwestern website and verified social media accounts. I extend my sincere appreciation to the dedicated staff members working through the closures to provide essential services, including University Police, Sodexo and Campus Dining, the Power Plant, Physical Plant, Residence Life staff, and our outstanding Resident Assistants who are taking calls, providing assistance, and staffing warming stations to support our students on campus.

Looking Ahead

Please save the date for the Demon Brothers Booster Club Crawfest and Delaney Bowl on Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. The event will feature all you can eat crawfish, live music, auction items, and more.

We are also looking ahead to Flavor of Louisiana, our signature spring fundraiser and seafood extravaganza, scheduled for March 20, 2026. The event will feature live music and specialty dishes from some of the best restaurants across the state. For more information on tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please click here.

For a full listing of upcoming events and activities this semester, I encourage you to visit our What’s Happening at NSU page by clicking here.

As we continue through the semester, I encourage you to stay connected and engaged with the many initiatives and activities taking place across our campuses. Your collaboration and dedication are essential to our continued success, and I am grateful for all that you do for Northwestern State University. Together, we will make this semester one defined by progress and meaningful achievement.

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University