Homecoming provided a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the people and traditions that make Northwestern State special. From recognizing distinguished alumni to opening a facility that will serve generations of student-athletes, this week offered many reminders of the pride, generosity, and commitment that move our university forward. Martha and I were delighted to share these occasions with so many members of the Northwestern family.
Southland Conference Leadership
On Monday, I traveled to Frisco, Texas, for the Southland Conference Fall Board of Directors meeting. The meeting provided an opportunity to engage with fellow university leaders on issues affecting conference athletics, including the student-athlete experience and the continued success of our member institutions. I value these discussions as we work together to strengthen the conference and support our student-athletes in competition and in the classroom.
Strengthening Regional Partnerships
Northwestern State continues to build relationships with neighboring parishes and school systems through regional initiatives focused on education and economic growth. On Monday, NSU representatives attended the North Rapides Business & Industry Alliance Luncheon in Pineville, featuring Rapides Parish Schools Superintendent Jeff Powell. The program, themed “Education Builds Our Future,” highlighted Louisiana’s educational achievements, ongoing challenges, and the importance of collaboration among schools, businesses, and community leaders. Thank you to Jason Parks, Executive Director of the NSU Cenla Campus, and Coach Mike McConathy for representing Northwestern. These relationships help expand educational opportunities for students and support the long-term growth of our region.
Manufacturing Month Campus Visit
In celebration of Manufacturing Month, our Department of Engineering Technology welcomed students from Saline High School on Tuesday for a campus visit introducing them to careers in engineering technology and advanced manufacturing. Students toured instructional laboratories, observed NSU students applying their technical skills, and explored the technology and equipment used in today’s manufacturing industries. These experiences connect classroom learning with practical applications while helping prospective students see the opportunities available at Northwestern and throughout Louisiana’s manufacturing sector. I appreciate our Engineering Technology faculty for sharing their expertise and inspiring the next generation of skilled professionals.
Homecoming Spirit and Student Service
Our students brought tremendous energy and Demon pride to Homecoming Week, participating in activities ranging from Opening Ceremonies to the Parade of Champions. I extend my sincere appreciation to Trevor O’Bannon and the Student Activities Board for their hard work in creating a memorable week for our students and university community.
That spirit also inspired service through the Homecoming food drive, with student organizations earning competition points while collecting donations for the NSU Food Pantry. The pantry now serves approximately 115 students each week, providing food and other necessities that help students focus on their education. Thank you to student coordinator Ellie Hardy and everyone who contributed. Donations of personal care products, canned meats, other protein sources, and household items remain welcome.
Homecoming also provided opportunities to reconnect across generations. The Baptist Collegiate Ministry celebrated its 100th anniversary, welcoming alumni, former presidents, and directors for reunions and special presentations. Cheer alumni and members of fraternities and sororities also gathered to renew friendships and celebrate their connections to Northwestern.
Invisible Disabilities Week
The Office of Accessibility and Disability Support hosted Invisible Disabilities Week, with events co-sponsored by the NSU Counseling Center and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center. These activities raised awareness of disabilities that may not be immediately visible and encouraged greater understanding across our campus community. Thank you to everyone who helped advance this important effort.
Long Purple Line Jacket Presentation Ceremony
Martha and I entertained more than 100 guests at the President’s Residence, welcoming former Long Purple Line inductees for a special jacket presentation ceremony. Each inductee received a custom purple jacket commemorating membership in Northwestern’s highest alumni hall of distinction. Bringing together so many individuals whose accomplishments and service have shaped our university made this a particularly meaningful occasion. It was one of the most enjoyable events I have attended as president, filled with fellowship, shared memories, and pride in Northwestern. Special thanks to NSU Alumni Association Board member Virginia Monceret for her vision and to Jill Bankston and the Office of Alumni Affairs staff for planning and carrying out this memorable celebration.
NSU Foundation Board of Directors Meeting
On Friday morning, I attended the annual meeting of the NSU Foundation Board of Directors. I am continually inspired by the board’s leadership and commitment to advancing Northwestern’s mission. Board members’ generosity and advocacy support student success, academic innovation, and campus improvements. I extend special appreciation to Board President Tommy Wright for his leadership and dedicated service throughout his tenure. Thank you also to Vice President and incoming Board President Wes Breeden for leading Friday’s meeting. I look forward to working with Wes as we build on the Foundation’s strong record of support for Northwestern. The partnership between the university and the NSU Foundation remains essential to our continued progress.
Long Purple Line Induction Ceremony
Friday’s Long Purple Line Induction Ceremony honored distinguished alumni whose achievements and service have made a lasting impact on their professions, communities, and alma mater. Only 165 alumni have received this prestigious recognition since its establishment.
This year’s inductees were Bryan David Arceneaux of Larose; Edwin Dunahoe, Billy Joe Harrington, and Dr. Ronald Owen McBride of Natchitoches; Trey Hill of Baton Rouge; and Brenda Williams Webb of Shreveport. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments and the distinction they bring to Northwestern.
The celebration also recognized individuals whose service has strengthened the university and the Alumni Association. Honorees were Pam Young Bison, NSU Alumni Association Volunteer of the Year; Bill Brent, Distinguished Supporter Service Award; Zack Breaux, Outstanding Young Alumnus Distinguished Service Award; Lynn Kees, Outstanding Alumna Distinguished Service Award; and Em Horton, NSU Alumni Association Director’s Award. Thank you to Jill Bankston, Cristy Bernard, Savannah Struppeck, and Terry Wilson for organizing this memorable event, and to Cole Gentry for preparing the video presentations that brought our honorees’ stories to life.
Morgan Health Performance Center Ribbon Cutting
On Friday afternoon, we celebrated the opening of the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that drew a tremendous turnout of students, alumni, supporters, and community members. This outstanding facility will strengthen training and rehabilitation for student-athletes across our athletic programs while supporting our coaches’ efforts to recruit talented students to Northwestern. We are deeply grateful to David and Sherry Morgan for their lead gift of $1.5 million and their longstanding dedication to NSU. Their generosity helped make this vision a reality and secure the state funding needed for construction. The center enhances the appearance of our campus and reflects our commitment to providing student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed. It also stands as a testament to the vision, advocacy, and persistence of many supporters. We appreciate our state legislative delegation for its continued engagement in projects that will benefit Northwestern students for years to come.
Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally
Friday evening, Martha and I joined our students, alumni, and community for the Homecoming parade and pep rally on the downtown riverbank. A special highlight was the newly remodeled NSU float, which members of the Long Purple Line enjoyed riding in the parade and which will serve as a centerpiece for future special occasions. Special thanks to Cree Gentry and Amy Lee for their exceptional work decorating the float. The enthusiasm along the parade route and throughout the celebration reflected the strong connection between Northwestern and the Natchitoches community. It was a pleasure to celebrate alongside the Homecoming court, student organizations, and returning alumni. Thank you to everyone who helped create such a spirited welcome for our Homecoming weekend.
N-Club Hall of Fame Induction
On Saturday morning, I attended the N-Club Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, recognizing 13 individuals whose achievements and service have left a lasting mark on Northwestern Athletics. Twelve were inducted into the Hall of Fame, and one received the N-Club Distinguished Service Award. The Hall of Fame class represented seven sports and included five-time track and field All-American Mike Brown; football standouts Greg Buckley, Warren Patterson, and Carlos Treadway; baseball players Jason Slanina and Anatole Vincent; soccer standout Katie Priest Riccobono and former head coach Jimmy Mitchell; women’s basketball standout Louise Chase; softball pitcher Crista Miller Hobbs; and men’s basketball player Byron Allen. Also inducted was John Fleckenstein, who contributed throughout the athletic department as a manager and trainer. Steve Pezant received the N-Club Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his enduring commitment to Northwestern Athletics, beginning as a student manager and continuing through many years of support as an alumnus. Congratulations to these honorees, whose accomplishments and loyalty remain an important part of our athletic tradition.
College of Business and Technology Hall of Fame
I also attended Saturday morning’s College of Business and Technology Hall of Fame induction ceremony. This year’s honorees were 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 these honorees maintain with NSU through service, mentorship, and support for our students. Congratulations to each of them on this well-deserved recognition.
Hall of Distinguished Educators
Later Saturday morning, I provided the welcome as the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development recognized the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Educators inductees and other education award recipients. This year’s Hall of Distinguished Educators inductees were Mark Minton of Bossier City, Tommy Alan Moore of Henderson, Texas, and LeAnn Gray Skinner of Stonewall. The School of Education’s highest honor recognizes alumni with at least 30 years of service and significant contributions to education and their communities. Their distinguished careers span music education, classroom teaching, and school administration. Jessica Fain Blanchard of Denham Springs, Aaliyah Rachal Seawood of Natchitoches, and Dr. Joshua V. Sims of Shreveport received Outstanding Young Professionals in Education honors for their commitment to student success through teaching, mentorship, and educational leadership. Donna “DeeDee” Foster Perot of Natchitoches received the Friend to Education Award for her extraordinary contributions to education and her longstanding relationship with Northwestern as a student, educator, and mentor. We congratulate all these honorees and thank them for the difference they continue to make in the lives of students.
Tailgating and Homecoming Court Honorees
Martha and I enjoyed visiting with alumni and friends during tailgating at Collins Pavilion before Saturday’s football game against Nicholls. Throughout the game, we were pleased to participate in recognizing our alumni award recipients and the Homecoming Honor Court.
Congratulations to Homecoming Queen Reese Kennedy of Denham Springs and King Nickolas Robinson of Shreveport, along with Northwestern’s 70th Mr. and Miss NSU, Owen Stutzman of Gonzales and Lauryn Vernon of Arcadia.
Other court members were Camilia Adger and Parker Stroope of Shreveport; Lorelai Beavers of Minden; Madison Book of Pineville; Keith Gallagher of Blanchard; Elizabeth Hardy of Haughton; Ardyn Jardell and Margaret Martinez of Jennings; Hannah Kennedy of Rosepine; Alex Laurent of Lafayette; Jakobie McCormick of Franklinton; Alexa Metternich of Walker; Peyshance Peek of Mooringsport; Joshua Peek and Logan Sneed of Leesville; Kieler Soape of Montgomery, Texas; K.C. Thompson of Sulphur; and Anthony Ugokwe of Alexandria. We are proud of these students and grateful for the enthusiasm and leadership they bring to campus.
Athletics Update
For the second straight week, our Demon football team gave a valiant effort against an in-state opponent, coming within one play of victory over Nicholls on Saturday afternoon. Their resilience and tenacity were inspiring. The Demons travel to San Antonio on Saturday to face Incarnate Word before returning home for two games in early November.
The NSU soccer team returned to form Sunday with a 3-0 home victory over Nicholls, following a tough 1-0 loss in the closing minutes Thursday night at Southeastern. The Demons remain in contention for a second straight Southland Conference championship with two games remaining: at McNeese next Sunday and at home November 5 against UT Rio Grande Valley.
Our Demon volleyball team lost a hard-fought battle against Lamar 3-1 at home Wednesday before falling 3-0 at perennial power Stephen F. Austin on Saturday. Next are two home matches in Prather Coliseum, Thursday night against Houston Christian and Saturday afternoon against UIW.
Our cross country teams conclude their seasons at the Southland Conference Championships Friday morning in Lake Charles. Good luck to the runners on our youthful teams as they pursue personal bests.
Thursday night’s annual Demon Madness preseason basketball event in Prather Coliseum provided an entertaining preview of the upcoming seasons. Both teams open play Monday, November 2, with the men visiting Baylor and the Lady Demons hosting Ecclesia College. We look forward to plenty of excitement from both teams throughout the winter months.
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 deadline to enter is November 3, and the winning ticket will be drawn November 6. I encourage you to participate and support our student-athletes.
Thank you to the faculty, staff, students, alumni, and friends who made this Homecoming week so memorable. Your work and support were evident in every celebration. Martha and I are grateful to be part of this Northwestern family and proud of all we continue to accomplish together.
Fork ‘Em Demons
President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University