As we move into the final week of October, I am grateful for your continued commitment to our students and community. The past several days have been filled with opportunities to celebrate collaboration, innovation, and excellence—hallmarks of Northwestern State University’s mission and spirit.

ULS Strategic Plan Town Hall

On Monday, we hosted University of Louisiana System President Rick Gallot and members of his team for a Town Hall introducing the One System. One Mission. Strategic Plan. Dr. Gallot and UL System leadership outlined the System’s 2025–2030 priorities and how they align with the work already underway at each of the nine institutions. I had the privilege of providing welcoming remarks and highlighting ways in which NSU’s initiatives directly reflect those priorities. Dr. Fran Lemoine provided valuable insight into our academic innovations and new program development. Building on conversations already taking place across the UL System, the plan provides a collective framework to connect those discussions and move forward with shared purpose to advance the state we call home.

Pre-Professional Programs Graduate Schools Day

Also on Monday, the Department of Health and Human Performance (HHP) hosted a Pre-Professional Programs Graduate Schools Day, giving NSU students interested in kinesiology and health sciences the opportunity to meet directly with representatives from regional graduate programs. Students received one-on-one feedback on their applications, resumes, and interview preparation. Participating institutions included LSU Health Sciences Center (DPT, OTD, and School of Health Professions and Sciences), the University of Louisiana Monroe (DPT), University of Louisiana Lafayette (Master of Athletic Training), Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady University (DPT), Bossier Parish Community College (COTA), and NSU’s own Master of Science programs in Public Health, Exercise Physiology, and Sports Administration. My thanks to Dr. Tara Tietjen-Smith for her leadership, along with faculty member Lauren Mitchell, DPT, and members of the Human Performance Leadership Club for organizing this valuable event.

Southland Conference Board of Directors Meeting

On Tuesday and Wednesday, Athletic Director Kevin Bostian and I joined our counterparts from across the Southland Conference for our annual fall meetings of the Board of Directors in Houston. These sessions addressed a wide range of topics related to short-term and long-term financial planning, athletic governance, competition, and the student-athlete experience. I want to recognize Commissioner Chris Grant for his strong leadership in guiding the conference forward and Kevin Bostian for his dedication to maintaining strong relationships with our counterparts and ensuring Northwestern remains proactive and well-represented in conference matters.

University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors Meeting

On Thursday, I attended the October meeting of the UL System Board of Supervisors in Baton Rouge, where NSU received approval to establish the Louisiana Center for Agricultural Resources and Technology (CART). The Center will leverage NSU’s strengths in biology, veterinary science, chemistry, physics, engineering technology, computer science, and drone technology to advance agricultural innovation in Louisiana. CART will focus on improving safety, productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agricultural practices while minimizing environmental impacts. It will also strengthen our state’s responsiveness to natural disasters and expand technologies that support farmers and producers of all sizes. Special thanks to Dr. Fran Lemoine and the School of STEM for their leadership in developing this initiative and presenting it to the Board.

N-Side View and NSU Family Day

Saturday brought a flurry of activity to campus as we welcomed prospective students and their families for N-Side View, and celebrated NSU Family Day with our current students and their guests. N-Side View is designed to introduce future Demons to the full Northwestern experience. Families toured campus, met with faculty and students, and learned about academic programs, housing, financial aid, scholarships, and opportunities for involvement in student organizations and campus activities. I enjoyed engaging with these future students and sharing what makes Northwestern such a special place. My thanks to Emily Miller, Director of Recruiting, and her team of staff and students for doing an outstanding job of showcasing all that NSU has to offer.

Despite the threat of inclement weather, the Office of First Year Experience and campus partners created a spirited, welcoming atmosphere filled with tailgating, live music, games, and celebration. It was inspiring to see families, students, and our prized Spirit of Northwestern band unite in true Demon pride. Special thanks to Mary-Katherine Maggio, Director of First Year Experience and Student Engagement, the Demon Volunteers in Progress, and all departments that worked together to make this weekend such a success. Adjusting for possible weather challenges was no small task, and we were pleased that conditions allowed families to enjoy a memorable day on campus capped by Demon football at Turpin Stadium.

Athletics Update

Our Lady Demon soccer team has clinched at least a co-championship in Southland Conference regular-season play and can win the SLC title outright Thursday night at Nicholls. The team’s outstanding performance this season has created an insurmountable lead with only one match remaining before the SLC Tournament in Beaumont, Texas, November 4–9. Congratulations to Coach Ian Brophy, his staff, and our student-athletes for an exceptional season thus far—with an 11-4-3 overall record, and 6-2-1 in conference play—highlighted by a season-opening victory over 19th-ranked Texas.

On Friday, Northwestern will host the Southland Conference Cross Country Championships at and around the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex, welcoming teams and supporters from all 12 SLC member institutions to our campus and community. Last week, Northwestern hosted the SLC Fall Masters Championship at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex. This event brought competitors and visitors from across the conference.

Our Demon football team played with heart and determination Saturday afternoon at Turpin Stadium, but was ultimately outmatched by 15th-ranked Lamar, which currently shares the Southland Conference lead with Southeastern. This extremely young team travels to McNeese next Saturday before returning home to host UIW on November 8. A highlight of Saturday’s game was the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band, whose high-energy performances and outstanding halftime show elevated the gameday experience. I also want to thank our loyal fans who showed their NSU pride at Turpin Stadium despite the threat of inclement weather.

I am proud of the fight our Lady Demon volleyball team continues to show in a challenging season. Saturday’s narrow two-point second-set loss against perennial conference power Stephen F. Austin was a testament to their effort and resilience. The growth achieved under first-year head coach Ben Kaszeta this fall will pay dividends in seasons to come.

Our softball team continues to impress during its series of fall games against outside competition, including a 25-0 win over Grayson College, a junior college program that won 54 games and advanced to the NJCAA World Series last season. Coach Jenny Fuller is building a team poised for success when spring competition begins.

As October draws to a close, I want to thank each of you for the enthusiasm and dedication you bring to our students, colleagues, and community every day. Your work continues to make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University