As we close another productive week at Northwestern, I am grateful for the continued engagement of our faculty, staff, students, and partners. From academic competitions to strong legislative advocacy and meaningful community connections, this week reflected the broad impact of our university across the state and region.

Demon Mathematics Classic

On Monday, the Department of Mathematics hosted its annual Demon Mathematics Classic competition. This quiz bowl-style event brought together middle and high school students from across the region, with seven teams representing five schools. Students competed in both individual and team categories. Congratulations to the individual winners: third place, Noah Shleifstein of LSMSA; second place, Bhuvana Danivas of Bolton Academy; and first place, Emil Galliano of LSMSA. LSMSA also earned first place in the team competition. We extend our sincere thanks to Sabine State Bank, Pearson Education, and the NSU Alumni Association for their generous support of this event, which continues to showcase academic excellence and inspire future students.

ULS Day at the Capitol

On Tuesday, I joined fellow presidents, faculty, staff, and students from all eight universities for ULS Day at the Capitol in Baton Rouge. This annual event provides an important opportunity to highlight the collective impact of the University of Louisiana System and to engage directly with state leaders. The day began with a legislative breakfast that brought together university representatives and lawmakers for meaningful conversations about higher education priorities. Throughout the day, we participated in committee meetings and had the opportunity to connect with legislators and staff to discuss the role our institutions play in workforce development, economic growth, and student success. A gathering in the Capitol rotunda allowed each institution to showcase programs, initiatives, and achievements that demonstrate the value of public higher education across Louisiana. Northwestern was well represented, and I appreciate all who contributed to sharing our story. The day concluded with special recognitions in both the House and Senate, underscoring the importance of continued support for our universities.

Natchitoches Day at the Capitol

On Wednesday, I joined our community for Natchitoches Day at the Capitol, where Northwestern State University was proud to play an active role in elevating the voice and priorities of Natchitoches Parish. Hosted by the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce in partnership with its Regional Advocacy Committee, this initiative brought together more than 100 leaders, partners, and stakeholders. Through direct engagement with elected officials, legislators, agency leadership, and subject matter experts, participants gained a deeper understanding of our parish’s assets, economic impact, and most pressing needs. These conversations reinforced both the strength of our region and the importance of continued investment to support long-term growth. I would like to extend a special thanks to Senator Alan Seabaugh, Senator Jay Luneau, Representative Gabe Firment, Representative Jason DeWitt, and Representative Jack McFarland for their continued advocacy on behalf of Northwestern and Natchitoches Parish. I am especially grateful to our Office of Economic Development team for their leadership and service on the planning committee, and to all who continue to champion the future of our region and our university.

NSU Engages in Central Louisiana Legislative Outlook

On Thursday, Northwestern State University participated in the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual State Legislative Session Outlook, held in partnership with the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry. The program featured NSU alumnus Will Green, President and CEO of LABI, who provided insight into the upcoming legislative session and key priorities impacting businesses across the state. Jason Parks, Executive Director of NSU’s Cenla Campus, represented the university at the event. His participation reflects our continued commitment to engagement across Central Louisiana and to aligning our efforts with the evolving needs of business and industry.

Collaborative Mill District Visioning to Promote Economic Development

The Office of Economic Development partnered with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce to support ongoing conversations focused on innovation, entrepreneurship, and rural economic development. Through our collaboration with the Center on Rural Innovation, NSU remains committed to strengthening connections between education, industry, and community. The session brought together students, faculty, and young professionals for an interactive idea lab that generated valuable input on economic development, placemaking, and community needs. We are grateful to our partners for helping facilitate these discussions and for their shared commitment to positioning Natchitoches Parish for continued success.

NSU Engagement Supports Workforce Pathways at Pollock

The Community Relations Board Meeting at the Federal Correctional Institution Pollock was held on Thursday with strong regional participation. Jason Parks attended on behalf of the university, reinforcing NSU’s commitment to workforce development and community engagement across Central Louisiana. Of special note, two NSU psychology students currently completing internships at the facility, Macy Vascocu and Kirsten Knobloch, plan to pursue full-time employment there following graduation. This is an excellent example of how experiential learning and strategic partnerships create direct pathways to meaningful careers.

Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Tournament

On Saturday, I was honored to attend the 10th Annual Dylan Kyle Poche Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament on Toledo Bend, a deeply meaningful event that celebrates the life and legacy of a beloved member of our NSU Bass Fishing Team. This year’s tournament welcomed 254 boats and a tremendous outpouring of support from across the region. The event supports scholarships for our Bass Fishing Team and stands as a powerful reminder of the lasting impact one individual can have on a community. I am sincerely grateful to Burt and Shelly Poche and their family for their dedication in organizing this event each year and for their continued support of our students.

Athletics Update

It was a very successful weekend for our spring sports teams, with three competing at home.

In Thibodaux, the Demon baseball team won its series at Nicholls, 2-1, highlighted by a late rally in Sunday’s decisive game. The weekend featured a variety of outcomes, beginning with a 12-2 victory Friday night, followed by a 9-8 loss after a Nicholls comeback on Saturday, and concluding with a 6-4 win Sunday after overcoming a 3-0 deficit in the seventh inning. Coach Chris Bertrand’s team is now 18-10 overall and leads the Southland Conference with a 10-5 record.

On campus, the Demon softball team recorded three convincing victories over East Texas A&M Commerce, winning 12-7, 12-2, and 15-2. Coach Jenny Fuller continues to make a strong impact in her second season, as the sweep improved the team’s conference record to 7-5 and its overall mark to 17-18, including a 12-6 run over the past five weeks.

On Saturday, our Lady Demon tennis team delivered an outstanding performance at the Jack Fisher Tennis Complex, earning a 7-0 shutout over Stephen F. Austin. The match featured two of the three 2025 conference tri-champions and proved to be a strong statement win for Coach Marcos Morelli’s squad, now 10-5 overall and 6-1 in conference play. Following a Wednesday match at UL Lafayette, the team returns home for its final two home matches on Saturday and Monday, April 6.

Northwestern’s track and field teams put on a show at the Walter P. Ledet Complex on Saturday, claiming 17 individual event titles and two relay victories at the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational. Sixteen different student-athletes earned individual wins, including Lady Demon sprinter Rushana Dwyer, who swept the 200- and 400-meter dashes. Coaches Mike Heimerman and Adam Pennington recognized 33 seniors competing in their final home meet. A special highlight came from N-Club Hall of Fame javelin thrower Cody Fillinich, a four-time All-American from 2006–09, who competed for the first time in 17 years and won with a strong throw of 217 feet. He has begun training for World Masters competition.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the coming weeks, I encourage you to mark your calendars for several important events that bring our Northwestern community together.

On April 14, we will gather for the NSU at LSU baseball tailgate and game. The tailgate will be held from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. at the Bullpen parking lot, followed by the game at 6:00 p.m. at Alex Box Stadium.

On April 25, Northwestern State and the Natchitoches community will have a final opportunity to honor legendary Demon football coach Sam Goodwin. A memorial celebration will be held at Turpin Stadium at 10 a.m., followed by the annual Joe Delaney Bowl and Crawfest, hosted by the Demon Brothers Booster Club.

Also taking place on April 25 is the 44th annual Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament, which honors the memory of a former Demon Golf Team member while raising scholarship support for our students.

For more information on these and other upcoming events, click here.

Thank you for your continued dedication to Northwestern State University and to the students we serve. Each of you plays an important role in advancing our mission and strengthening our impact across the state.

Fork Em’ Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University