This week brought meaningful opportunities to strengthen partnerships, advance campus priorities and recognize the people whose work moves Northwestern forward. I appreciate the dedication of our faculty, staff, alumni and community partners as we continue expanding opportunities for our students and the region we serve.
Belize Exchange Agreement
On Monday afternoon, I participated in the signing of an agreement to advance student exchange opportunities in Belize, an important step in expanding Northwestern State’s international partnerships. This collaboration will create opportunities for students to experience another culture, broaden their perspectives, and enrich their education through academic exchange. Such experiences help students develop a deeper understanding of the world and prepare them to work and lead in an increasingly connected global community. I appreciate Dr. Tommy Hailey’s work in advancing this partnership and bringing this agreement to fruition. I look forward to the connections it will create and the opportunities it will provide for our students and university.
Capital Outlay Meeting
Tuesday afternoon, we welcomed representatives from the Louisiana Division of Administration, the Board of Regents, the University of Louisiana System and our regional legislative delegation for discussions about Northwestern’s capital outlay priorities. Dr. Jason Anderson, executive director of the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, and his team also joined us to discuss our Innovation Park partnership.
I was particularly pleased to welcome House Appropriations Committee Chair Jack McFarland and Louisiana Office of Facility Planning and Control Director Matt Baker. During the visit, we provided updates on our priority projects, discussed the state budget outlook and toured the Morgan Health Performance Center. Special thanks to Jennifer Kelly, executive director of University Affairs, and Kevin Martin, director of Facilities, for their work in preparing for this important visit. We are grateful for the continued engagement and support of our state and regional partners as we advance projects that will benefit our students and communities for years to come.
Beacon Society
The NSU Beacon Society gathered Tuesday evening for a campus update and engagement session focused on enrollment, the outlook for the state’s higher education funding formula and strategies to strengthen Northwestern’s future. I am grateful to our Beacon Society members for their dedication, thoughtful input and willingness to help us address the opportunities and challenges facing the university. Their insight and advocacy help inform our priorities and strengthen our connections with the communities we serve. Special thanks to Doug Ireland and Danielle Cobb for organizing a productive and well-attended meeting.
Celebrating Manufacturing Month
Northwestern continues to celebrate Manufacturing Month throughout October, joining Louisiana Central and North Louisiana Economic Partnership in highlighting manufacturing’s important role in our regional economy. Students, teachers and counselors from across North and Central Louisiana are visiting manufacturing facilities and training programs to learn about career opportunities, employer needs and educational pathways. NSU is welcoming school groups to explore our Advanced Manufacturing Program, known as AMP, and see how education and industry work together to prepare Louisiana’s workforce.
AMP combines classroom instruction, hands-on learning and paid work-based experiences through strong industry partnerships. I am especially grateful to Alliance Compressors, ARQ Inc., Boise Cascade, CLECO, Crest Industries, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, RoyOMartin, Trace Reliability and Weyerhaeuser for investing their time, expertise and resources in our students. Manufacturing Month offers an excellent opportunity to introduce young people to high-demand careers available in our region and demonstrate Northwestern’s role in connecting education with industry.
NSU Means Business: Connecting Generations
The NSU Means Business: Beyond the Brick Way lunch and learn series continued October 5 in Natchitoches with a presentation on “Understanding Generational Differences in the Workplace.” Dr. Vianka Miranda and Dr. Beth Prejean, faculty members in the College of Business and Technology, led the session, which was co-hosted by the college and the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.
The presentation explored how different generations bring distinct experiences, expectations and communication styles to the workplace. Understanding those differences can strengthen collaboration and professional relationships. One takeaway captured the session’s purpose: “The goal isn’t to eliminate generational differences; it’s to make those differences useful.”
Thank you to Dr. Miranda and Dr. Prejean for sharing their expertise and to everyone who participated. Initiatives like NSU Means Business connect university expertise with our communities and support workforce success and regional economic growth.
FAA Grant Expands Drone Training
Congratulations to Professor and ARGO Lab Coordinator JD Cox and the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement on securing a $544,516 grant through the Federal Aviation Administration’s Aircraft Pilots Workforce Development Grant Program. This two-year investment will expand NSU’s Remote Systems Science and Technology program, establish dual-enrollment drone training pathways for high school students and provide advanced training opportunities for working professionals, first responders and veterans. Through scholarships, internships and industry-recognized certifications, the initiative is projected to serve up to 600 participants. This award reflects Northwestern’s commitment to innovation, strategic partnerships and workforce development while strengthening Louisiana’s aviation and technology workforce.
Honoring Business and Technology Alumni
The College of Business and Technology will honor six distinguished alumni with induction into its Hall of Fame during Homecoming. This year’s honorees are Wes Breeden of New Orleans, Joseph “Trent” Jackson of Shreveport, Laura Terrell Lyles of Natchitoches, Leah Sherman Middlebrook of Bossier City, Terry E. Moore of Shreveport and Keith E. Poirrier of Lafayette.
Their accomplishments span organizational leadership, healthcare technology, economic development, financial technology, wealth management and commercial insurance. Together, they demonstrate the many ways Northwestern graduates lead in their professions and contribute to their communities. We are especially grateful for the connections many of these honorees maintain with NSU through service, mentorship and support for our students. A welcome breakfast and induction program for honorees, alumni and friends will begin at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, October 24, in the Natchitoches Room on the second floor of Russell Hall. Please join me in congratulating these outstanding alumni.
In Memoriam: Jack McCain Jr.
Northwestern State University joins the Natchitoches community in remembering Jack McCain Jr., a devoted alumnus and longtime supporter of our university. A 1957 graduate, Jack maintained a lifelong connection to Northwestern and took great pride in its traditions. He served as charter president of the Beta Omicron Chapter of Pi Kappa Phi and was recognized among NSU’s inaugural Greek 100 of 100 honorees. As a businessman and civic leader who served six terms on the Natchitoches City Council, Jack made lasting contributions to our community. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends and remain grateful for his enduring commitment to Northwestern State. His family has requested that memorial contributions be directed to the John and Jason McCain Scholarship through the NSU Foundation.
Athletics Update
The NSU football team used its open date to prepare for the second half of the schedule, which begins next Saturday at noon against McNeese in Turpin Stadium. This is a great opportunity to parlay Friday evening’s Top of the Boot Music Festival, Saturday’s noon game against McNeese, and Saturday evening’s festival performances into a full weekend of activities. Get your tickets and join the festivities with Martha and me and many others. The Demons will play two consecutive home games, with four of their next five contests at home.
The Demon soccer team returned to its winning ways, sweeping a pair of Southland Conference contests. After a 3-1 home victory Thursday over East Texas A&M, Coach Ian Brophy’s squad beat Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 2-0 on Sunday. Northwestern has now won seven of its last eight games, improving to 7-6 overall and 4-1 in conference play. The Demons continue their defense of last year’s SLC championship when they host Houston Christian Thursday at 7 p.m.
In volleyball, our Demons split a pair of home matches, competing well against league-leading UT Rio Grande Valley in a 3-1 loss Thursday before defeating Texas A&M-Corpus Christi 3-1 Saturday at Prather Coliseum. NSU closed out Saturday’s victory with a decisive 25-13 win in the final set. In his second season at NSU, Coach Ben Kaszeta has guided the Demons to an 11-10 overall record and a 3-3 Southland mark after facing many of the league’s top teams. The Demons travel to Nicholls Thursday night and McNeese Saturday.
I also encourage you to support two upcoming initiatives benefiting Northwestern Athletics.
The Top of the Boot Music Festival takes place this Friday, October 16, and Saturday, October 17, with music beginning at 4 p.m. each day. The festival will bring nationally recognized artists and visitors from across the region for two evenings of music and entertainment. Tickets remain available on the festival website. Please join us and support this exciting event.
The Rhodes Properties & Development Demon Dream Home Giveaway offers a chance to win a newly constructed home valued at $265,000. Tickets are $100, with proceeds benefiting the Demons Unlimited Foundation and the student-athlete experience across all 14 athletic programs. The winning ticket will be drawn November 6.
Looking Ahead
The Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts is hosting the Louisiana Music Teachers Association Piano Ensemble Festival October 10 and 11 in Magale Recital Hall. Held during the LMTA State Conference, the two-day festival features rehearsals, coaching and group activities culminating in a large ensemble concert with multiple grand pianos on the Magale stage.
Our next home football game is Saturday, October 17, against McNeese, with kickoff at 12 p.m. Join us before the game at Collins Pavilion for tailgating beginning at 10 a.m. You can RSVP here.
With Homecoming just two weeks away, I look forward to welcoming alumni and friends back to campus. I encourage you to join us for the Long Purple Line Luncheon on October 23 as we celebrate our distinguished alumni. Be sure to purchase your tickets before they sell out. That Friday afternoon, we will also celebrate the ribbon cutting for the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center at 3:00 p.m. Tickets and a complete schedule of Homecoming activities are available on the Homecoming webpage.
For information about additional events and activities, visit What’s Happening at NSU.
Thank you for the care and commitment you bring to Northwestern each day. We are moving the needle. Your work supports our students, strengthens our partnerships and gives our alumni and friends many reasons to take pride in this university. I look forward to celebrating with you during the exciting weeks ahead.
Fork ‘Em Demons
President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University