This week offered several opportunities to see Northwestern State’s commitment to student success and regional engagement in action. From supporting student health and academic achievement to helping local businesses grow, our faculty, staff, and partners continue to make a meaningful difference. With Homecoming approaching, there is also much to celebrate and anticipate.
NSU Means Business Explores Practical Uses of AI
Northwestern State alumnus Monty Chicola, president of Real Vision Software, Inc., was the featured speaker at Monday’s NSU Means Business: Beyond the Brick Way Lunch & Learn at our Cenla Campus. His presentation, “How Small Businesses Can Use AI,” offered practical ways to incorporate artificial intelligence into everyday tasks, improve productivity, streamline operations, and support decision-making. Monty emphasized that AI is a tool whose value depends on the judgment and expertise of the people using it. He encouraged participants to explore these tools and consider how they can help their businesses remain competitive. I appreciate Monty sharing his expertise and providing ideas attendees can apply in their professional and personal lives. Hosted by our Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, the series continues with sessions in Marksville, in partnership with the Tunica-Biloxi Education Center, and at the Bossier Parish Library, hosted by NSU Barksdale. These events reflect our commitment to connecting education, industry, and communities through professional development.
NCAA AASP Site Visit
On Tuesday, I participated in a site visit for the NCAA’s Accelerating Academic Success Program, which supports student-athlete academic achievement and progress toward graduation. The visit provided an opportunity to discuss our commitment to helping student-athletes succeed in the classroom and prepare for life beyond college athletics. Academic support and personal development are essential parts of the student-athlete experience. I appreciate Assistant Athletics Director for Student-Athlete Development Bryn Edmonston for her work supporting our student-athletes and coordinating this important visit.
Annual Benefits Fair
On Wednesday, I attended our annual Benefits Fair, hosted by the Office of Human Resources. The fair gave faculty and staff an opportunity to speak directly with benefits representatives, ask questions, and learn more about the resources available to them and their families. The benefits available through state employment are an important part of working at Northwestern State. I thank our Human Resources team and participating providers for helping employees understand their options and make informed decisions.
Region 6 STEM Center Engages Regional Partners
Our Region 6 STEM Center hosted a well-attended Advisory Council meeting Wednesday at the Cenla Campus in Alexandria. Representatives from secondary and postsecondary education, business and industry, and nonprofit organizations came together to help shape the Center’s strategic priorities. Council members discussed regional workforce needs, education and training gaps, and opportunities for collaboration, from early career exploration to career advancement. Their input will guide future programming and help keep the Center’s work aligned with central Louisiana’s evolving needs.
Funded by Louisiana Works and hosted by NSU, the Center serves Avoyelles, Catahoula, Concordia, Grant, LaSalle, Rapides, and Winn parishes. Its work expands access to STEM education, connects students and educators with industry, and strengthens pathways into high-demand careers. I appreciate Region 6 STEM Director Lacey Hoosier and STEM Education and Outreach Specialist Carley Ardoin for organizing the meeting and bringing regional partners together to advance this work.
Congresswoman Julia Letlow Luncheon
On Thursday, Laurie Morrow, executive director of University Advancement and Economic Development, and I attended a luncheon featuring an update from Congresswoman Julia Letlow, who represents Louisiana’s Fifth Congressional District. We appreciate Congresswoman Letlow’s support for Northwestern State and her attention to the needs of our region. Opportunities to seek federal funding through the congressional appropriations process can help advance projects that support economic development, education, and workforce preparation. We value the opportunity to share our priorities and discuss how these investments can benefit the communities we serve.
Demons for Recovery Program Site Visit
On Friday morning, I joined representatives from the Louisiana Board of Regents and the Louisiana Department of Health’s Office of Behavioral Health for a site visit to learn more about our Demons for Recovery program. Housed in the Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies within the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development, Demons for Recovery supports student health, wellness, and success. NSU is one of nine institutions in Louisiana and approximately 180 nationwide participating in this growing collegiate recovery and prevention effort. Programs such as this help students find support, build connections, and continue working toward their educational goals. I thank Dr. Charles R. King, head of the Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies, and program coordinator Sarah Combs for their dedication to this important work.
Small Business Opportunity Program
NSU’s Office of Economic Development, Louisiana Central, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, and Louisiana Economic Development are more than halfway through their five-week Small Business Opportunity Program. Over the past three weeks, business owners, nonprofit representatives, and aspiring entrepreneurs have participated in sessions on bookkeeping, marketing, and capital readiness. Two sessions remain: “Technology That Saves Time” on October 19 and “Customer Service That Pays” on October 26. We are pleased to help provide practical resources that support local businesses and organizations and strengthen our regional economy.
Top of the Boot Music Festival
Martha and I thoroughly enjoyed the Top of the Boot Music Festival and the opportunity to spend time with students, alumni, friends, and visitors. The festival brought nationally recognized artists and guests from across the region to Natchitoches for two evenings of music and entertainment. Events like this showcase our campus and community while bringing visitors to local businesses. I extend special thanks to NEDA for its partnership and commitment to economic development in our area. Congratulations to Athletics Director Kevin Bostian and our Athletics Department for organizing the festival and creating an enjoyable weekend for our community.
Athletics Update
The Demon football team showed dramatic improvement in several areas Saturday afternoon, but five turnovers proved too costly in a 24-21 loss to McNeese. The defense made a goalline stand and recorded nine tackles for loss, it’s most since 2022, while the offense produced 12 explosive plays. Another opportunity to defeat an in-state rival awaits Saturday when the Demons host Nicholls in our Homecoming game at 2 p.m.
Our volleyball team split a pair of Southland Conference matches in south Louisiana, defeating Nicholls and falling to McNeese. The much-improved Demons, now 12-11 overall and 4-4 in conference play, host Lamar on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. before traveling to Stephen F. Austin on Saturday.
The defending Southland Conference champion Demon soccer team fell 3-1 at home Thursday night to Houston Christian, which remains undefeated in conference play. The loss ended a remarkable 15-game home unbeaten streak spanning two years for Coach Ian Brophy’s team. The Demons, now 7-7 overall and 4-2 in conference play, visit Southeastern on Thursday night and host Nicholls next Sunday afternoon.
The Lady Demons tennis team completed a clean sweep of the Bearkat Invitational, hosted by Sam Houston, on Sunday. Honoka Umeda, Athina Grigoriadou, and Nicol Tagimi were unbeaten in singles and doubles play throughout the three-day event.
In their final competition before the Southland Conference Championships in two weeks, our cross country teams competed in the Watson Cross Country Classic in Jackson, Mississippi. Freshmen led the way, with Tyler Newland pacing the NSU men and Abby Poche finishing first among the Lady Demons.
Homecoming weekend also includes the induction of 13 men and women into the N-Club Hall of Fame, Northwestern State’s highest honor for former competitors and team members. Everyone is invited to attend Saturday morning’s activities at Magale Recital Hall, beginning with a continental breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by the induction ceremony at 9 a.m. Learn more about this year’s honorees in the N-Club Hall of Fame announcement.
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
With Homecoming just one week 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 celebrate the ribbon cutting for the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center at 3:00 p.m. The Homecoming “Parade of Champions” will begin on campus at 5:00 p.m., followed by a pep rally on the downtown riverbank. Martha and I hope you will join us for these celebrations of Demon pride.
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 dedication you bring to Northwestern State each day. Martha and I look forward to celebrating Homecoming with you and the many alumni and friends who will return to campus next week.
Fork ’em Demons
President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University