Although this has been a short week with the Mardi Gras holiday, there has been no shortage of activity and momentum across our university. From cultivating strategic partnerships to celebrating the arts and preparing for one of our most anticipated spring events, Northwestern continues to move forward with purpose.

Dinner with Lela Mae Wilkes

Last week, I had the privilege of attending a dinner organized by distinguished alumna and longtime NSU supporter Lela Mae Wilkes. Ms. Wilkes brought together a key representative from Honeywell and NSU engineering faculty member Craig Caskey to facilitate introductions and explore potential public private partnerships. I cannot overstate the importance of this kind of leadership from our alumni. One of the most powerful contributions our graduates can make is to leverage their professional relationships to create meaningful connections between Northwestern and business and industry partners.

These introductions open doors for internships, research collaboration, workforce pipelines, philanthropy, and long-term strategic alignment. Ms. Wilkes continues to model what it means to be an engaged and visionary alumna. Her commitment to Northwestern’s growth and her willingness to actively advocate for our university are deeply appreciated. We are grateful for her leadership and generosity and for the example she sets for all our alumni.

Remote Pilot Certification Prep Course

I was pleased to learn that Northwestern State University is offering a Part 107 Remote Pilot Certification Prep Course, a comprehensive four-week self-paced training designed to prepare individuals for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification Exam. Participants will gain knowledge in legal and ethical considerations for remote pilots, drone operational safety and risk management, airspace classifications and restrictions, aviation weather essentials, aeronautical decision making, ground crew responsibilities, sectional chart interpretation, and an introduction to the National Airspace System.

The course is taught by JD Cox, Adelaide Soileau, and Travis Mitchell, members of our Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations Lab personnel. As drone technology continues to expand across agriculture, construction, public safety, and infrastructure, this course equips participants with workforce ready skills that are increasingly in demand. This is another example of how Northwestern is responding to emerging industry needs while providing practical, high impact training opportunities. Registration is available here.

Chamber Choir and Saxophone Studio Performances

 

Next week, our School of Creative and Performing Arts will present two outstanding musical performances in Magale Recital Hall.

On Tuesday, February 24 at 7:30 p.m., the NSU Chamber Choir will present “I Hear America Singing: A Concert of Spirituals.” Conducted by Dr. Shane Thomas, the program will feature works rooted in the African American spiritual tradition by composers such as Moses Hogan, Marques Garrett, and Stacey Gibbs. This performance celebrates Black History Month and highlights an essential foundation of America’s musical voice.

On Thursday, February 26 at 7:30 p.m., the NSU Saxophone Studio will hold its annual recital, also in Magale Recital Hall. The concert will feature the NSU Sax Choir, two saxophone quartets, and solo performances by members of the studio under the direction of Dr. Paul J. Forsyth. The recital serves as preparation for the Biennial NASA Conference hosted at Ohio State University March 12 through 15, where our students will join saxophonists from across North America.

Admission to these events is free and open to the public, and a livestream will be available here. These performances showcase the talent, dedication, and national engagement of our students and faculty in the creative arts.

Flavor of Louisiana

Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s biennial spring seafood festival, will return to Prather Coliseum on Friday, March 20. Presented by the NSU Foundation, this signature event features dozens of vendors offering seafood samplings prepared by chefs and restaurateurs from around the state in a lively festival atmosphere with music and entertainment. Academic departments and student organizations will host raffles, silent auctions, and other fundraising activities throughout the evening. All proceeds support scholarships for students, faculty development, and academic program enhancements. I encourage you to join us for this outstanding evening in support of our students. For more information on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.

In Memoriam: Antonia “Tonie” Sonnier

We mourn the loss of Antonia “Tonie” Sonnier, who passed away on February 14. Tonie played a central role in our Social Work Department, particularly in grants management and accounting functions that were essential to the success and growth of the program. She was known for her professionalism, sharp intellect, and steadfast dedication. Beyond her work, Tonie was a proud supporter of Northwestern State University. Her family has expressed appreciation for the care and support shown by members of our Social Work Department and the broader university community. She will be deeply missed.

Athletics Update

The final home basketball doubleheader of the year provided an enjoyable Saturday afternoon, highlighted by an exciting Lady Demon victory followed by a resounding win by the Demons. Our women’s team clinched one of eight Southland Conference Tournament berths and improved to 11-8 in the SLC by rallying past Houston Christian, 70-64. The men took control from the outset and dominated HCU, 71-53, in impressive fashion. Their final home game is Monday at 6:30 p.m. against UIW.

The Demon baseball team again displayed its grit Tuesday night at Brown-Stroud Field, battling back from two five-run deficits to defeat ULM, 13-10. The Demons then traveled to Central Arkansas for three more nail-biters, dropping a pair of one-run decisions before winning a 15-inning contest, 5-2, on Saturday. The Bears claimed Sunday’s finale, 13-5. Tuesday night, Coach Chris Bertrand takes the team to Ruston to face Louisiana Tech. Next weekend, the Demons open conference play at home against Southeastern.

The Lady Demon softball team went 2-3 in Jacksonville, Alabama, at a weekend tournament. Coach Jenny Fuller’s squad will finally return home next weekend to host the City of Lights Tournament.

Northwestern’s defense of its 2025 SLC women’s tennis co-championship begins on the road next weekend. The Lady Demons are 4-4 following a challenging nonconference schedule that concluded at home this weekend with hard-fought losses to South Alabama and Tarleton State.

Our track and field teams will compete in the Southland Indoor Championships on Wednesday and Thursday in Birmingham. The Lady Demons have won the last three SLC Indoor team titles and have an opportunity to become only the third program since 1987 to win four consecutive championships. Our men’s team should be highly competitive as well. Good luck to our outstanding student-athletes and coaches!

As we move further into the spring semester, I remain grateful for your dedication and the many ways you contribute to Northwestern’s continued progress. Please continue to tell the story of what a great university Northwestern is. Thank you for the energy, professionalism, and pride you bring to our work each day. For additional information on upcoming events and activities click here.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University