As we continue through a season filled with events that showcase the strength of our students, faculty, and community partners, I am reminded of the vital role each of you plays in advancing Northwestern State University’s mission. The past week reflected our shared commitment to innovation, service, and collaboration across multiple disciplines.

AMP Cohort Builds Industry Partnerships to Propel Student Success

 On Monday, we hosted a networking luncheon at the President’s Residence that brought together Advanced Manufacturing Program (AMP) students and regional industry leaders. The event encouraged early dialogue between students and potential employer partners ahead of the internship matching process.

Students in the AMP track complete a year of coursework before beginning paid internships in summer 2026. In their second year, they will balance three days of work and two days of classes, gaining valuable real-world experience. Upon graduation in 2027, they will hold an associate degree in Engineering Technology and a year of hands-on training, with the option to continue toward a bachelor’s degree.

This initiative reflects Northwestern’s strategy of aligning academic learning with workforce engagement. We extend appreciation to our Advanced Manufacturing Partners—Arq, Alliance Compressors, Boise Cascade, Cleco, Crest Industries, Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, RoyOMartin, and Weyerhaeuser—for their continued commitment to student success and regional economic development.

Paws for a Cause Week Brings Compassion and Community to NSU

Last week, Northwestern celebrated Paws for a Cause Week with a series of events focused on animal welfare, education, and community service. In collaboration with Friends All United for Natchitoches Animals (FAUNA), the School of STEM, the Department of Veterinary Technology, and the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, the celebration reflected Northwestern’s compassion and community spirit.

Activities included Paws & Relax pet therapy, a community forum on animal welfare and safety, the 12th Annual Farm to Table Dinner supporting FAUNA, Paw-traits pet photos with Vic the Demon, and the Vet Tech Club’s Bathe-A-Dog Day. During the community forum, Dr. Herman Soong, Assistant Professor of Adult Psychiatry & Forensic Neuropsychiatry at Tulane University, District Attorney Hillar Moore III of East Baton Rouge Parish, and District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington of Natchitoches Parish convincingly connected cruelty to animals and violence toward humans, emphasizing how early education and intervention can help prevent both.

A highlight of the week was FAUNA’s presentation of funds to establish an endowed scholarship supporting Veterinary Technology students—demonstrating the organization’s lasting investment in education and animal welfare. Special thanks are extended to FAUNA, the Vet Tech faculty and students, the Office of Economic Development, and all volunteers and supporters who made this week a success. Paws for a Cause exemplifies Northwestern’s dedication to service, learning, and the well-being of both people and pets.

Engineering Technology Symposium & Manufacturing Day

 On Friday, Northwestern celebrated National Manufacturing Month by hosting the 8th Annual Engineering Technology Symposium & Manufacturing Day. The event welcomed about 70 students from Alexandria Senior High School, Natchitoches Junior High, LSMSA, Caddo Magnet, and C.E. Byrd High School. With support from NSU Engineering Technology student volunteers, participants engaged in four interactive workshops: Manufacturing Line Simulation led by Dr. Nabin Sapkota and Dr. Shahriar Hossain, Factory Physics led by Dr. Damien Tristant and Professor Anna Dugas, Manufacturing and Electronic Equipment led by Dr. Rafiqul Islam and Dr. Xinjia Chen, and Mathematics of Manufacturing led by Mr. Zebulun Marcotte.

The program featured keynote speakers Craig Caskey and Jon Lentz, opening remarks by Dr. Fran Lemoine, introductions by Dr. Shahriar Hossain, and closing remarks by Dr. Chris Lyles. This annual event reinforces NSU’s commitment to connecting students with hands-on learning experiences, industry experts, and pathways to careers in advanced manufacturing and engineering technology.

NSU Faculty and Staff Tour St. Mary’s Residential Community & Services

 Also on Friday, Northwestern faculty and staff toured St. Mary’s Residential Community & Services in Alexandria to learn about the vital work being done to support children and adults with developmental disabilities. The visit provided an opportunity to explore future partnerships in service learning, research, and workforce development aligned with NSU’s mission of connecting education with community impact.

We extend appreciation to the Office of Economic Development for coordinating the visit and to Tony “Bo” Vets, Administrator of St. Mary’s and proud NSU alumnus, for hosting and guiding the tour. Northwestern looks forward to continued collaboration and to preparing graduates for meaningful careers that contribute to this important organization’s success.

Athletics Update

 The Lady Demon soccer team moved to the brink of the Southland Conference championship Sunday with a 1-0 victory over visiting UIW, following a 3-0 win over McNeese on Thursday night. With an overall record of 11-3-3 and a 6-1-1 mark in SLC play, the Lady Demons also finished undefeated at home (7-0-2) for the first time in 20 years. Most importantly, they hold a four-point lead over defending Southland champion Stephen F. Austin with two games remaining—this Thursday at Lamar and a week later at Nicholls.

Our Lady Demon tennis squad competed well this weekend at the Bearkat Invitational hosted by Sam Houston State in Huntsville, Texas. This week, Northwestern will host the Southland Conference Fall Masters Tournament, beginning Wednesday and concluding Saturday at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex.

The Demon football team will play its third home game of the season this coming Saturday at 4:00 p.m. at Turpin Stadium, facing one of the Southland Conference co-leaders, Lamar. The team battled hard on the road Saturday against No. 22 Southeastern, continuing to show determination in its rebuilding phase. Coach Blaine McCorkle will share updates and insights at the Demon Quarterback Club luncheon on Thursday at 11:30 a.m. at Merci Beaucoup, and all are invited to join fellow supporters for his encouraging message.

The NSU volleyball team, also a young and improving squad, returns home for two matches this week—Thursday night against Lamar at 6:30 p.m., and Saturday at noon versus SFA. The team was highly competitive in its most recent matches, both at home last Thursday against McNeese and on the road yesterday at Nicholls.

Looking Ahead

The University of Louisiana System continues its One System. One Mission. Advancing Louisiana Together tour, visiting campuses statewide to share the 2025–2030 strategic plan and highlight higher education’s impact on the state’s economy. Please join us for a Town Hall meeting at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20, in the Alost Hall Multipurpose Room. More information is available at ulsystem.edu/planning-progress/strategic-plan.

The Gail Metoyer Jones Center invites the community to Recipes, Rhythm & Roots: A Creole Heritage Celebration at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 23, in the Lucile Hendrick Room of the Student Union. The event will feature Creole cuisine, Zydeco and line dancing, and storytelling, celebrating Louisiana’s Creole culture. Presented in partnership with NSU’s Creole Heritage Center, this free event invites guests to explore genealogy, heritage, and the enduring legacy of Creole traditions.

The Sixth Annual Drums Along the River concert will take place Friday, October 24, at 6:30 p.m. on the downtown riverbank stage in Natchitoches. The free concert will feature the Spirit of Northwestern Percussion Section under Dr. Andrew Blair, along with the NSU Steel PanDEMONium Band and Samba Batucada Band under Dr. Oliver Molina. The program will include school songs, “Winner Takes All” show music, and island and pop favorites such as Limbo, Jump in the Line, Take On Me, and Hot To Go!

Thank you for your continued leadership and dedication to Northwestern State University. Together, we are creating a future defined by innovation, connection, and pride in our shared mission.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University