As we continue through a vibrant and active spring semester, I want to thank each of you for your contributions to the momentum and mission of Northwestern State University. This past week brought several exciting events and opportunities to showcase the impact of our students, faculty, and programs across the state.

College of Education and Human Development Honors Convocation
On Monday, I attended the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development Honors Convocation. With approximately 1,600 students, the college plays a central role in awarding the majority of NSU’s degrees and carries forward our founding mission as a “Normal School” dedicated to preparing teachers for Louisiana’s public schools. The college also houses the Army ROTC program, Department of Health and Human Performance, Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies, and Department of Social Work. In total, the college offers 33 degree programs and graduates the highest number of future educators and community leaders. Dr. Neeru Deep spoke about the college’s commitment to empowering students who uplift their communities. We are proud of the outstanding students recognized during this year’s convocation.

A+PEL and DeSoto Parish Partnerships
On Tuesday, I joined faculty and staff from our School of Education to celebrate two important partnership agreements that will provide graduate credit pathways for educators pursuing advanced degrees. The first agreement, with the Associated Professional Educators of Louisiana (A+PEL), allows individuals who complete the Ready to Teach Louisiana alternative certification program and earn Level 1 teacher licensure to receive up to 15 hours of credit toward NSU’s Master of Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a Transition to Teaching concentration. The second agreement, with the DeSoto Parish School Board, enables teachers who complete Mentor Teacher Training, Master Teacher Training, or Operation LEAD Training to receive up to 12 hours of credit toward NSU’s Master of Education in Educational Leadership. These partnerships, led by Dr. Dylan Solice and supported by leaders including Dr. April Giddens, Dr. Katrina Jordan, and Dr. Neeru Deep, demonstrate our continued commitment to preparing high-quality educators who will lead in classrooms and school systems across the state.

Public Affairs Research Council (PAR) Louisiana Conference
On Thursday, I joined Laurie Morrow and Cole Gentry at the 2025 Public Affairs Research Council Conference. PAR is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that offers solutions to key public issues through research and by fostering informed public debate. The conference offered timely insights on topics critical to Louisiana’s future. The morning panel featured Representative Julie Emerson, Senator Sam Jenkins, Secretary Richard Nelson, and Senator Mike Reese. The panelists discussed the recent overhaul of Louisiana’s tax system and previewed upcoming fiscal policy debates in the legislature. The afternoon session featured a keynote address delivered by V.S. Subrahmanian, an expert in artificial intelligence. His presentation focused on the security implications of AI and how government agencies can responsibly manage this rapidly advancing technology.

Demons on the Road – Lafayette and Alexandria
On Wednesday, I joined alumni and friends in Lafayette for a Demons on the Road gathering that was filled with meaningful conversation and shared pride in the progress we’re making at Northwestern. The next evening, we continued the momentum in Alexandria, where we had another engaging event with our alumni and supporters. These gatherings not only celebrate our university’s achievements but also provide important opportunities to hear directly from those who care deeply about NSU. Thank you to Coach McCorkle for joining us in Alexandria and helping connect with our alumni in Central Louisiana.

Kindergarten Easter Egg Hunt and CDC Visit
On Friday, I had the pleasure of hosting the annual Easter Egg Hunt at the President’s Residence for the kindergarten classes from the NSU Elementary Lab School. This long-standing tradition is always filled with fun and excitement for some of our hopeful future Demons. This week also marked the national Week of the Young Child, with a different theme celebrated each day. On Music Monday, I visited the three- and four-year-old classes at the Marie Shaw Dunn Child Development Center (CDC) and played a few notes on the saxophone for the children. Their excitement and energy were truly infectious.

Reginald F. Lewis Scholars Visit
On Saturday, I had the honor of welcoming the University of Louisiana System’s Reginald F. Lewis Scholars during their visit to our campus. The initiative supports underserved male college students by providing mentoring, co-curricular engagement, and professional development. This year’s NSU representatives, Christopher Lowery of Colfax and Sean Mitcham of Natchitoches, are part of a talented cohort of scholars who have conducted research, studied abroad, participated in a system-wide leadership institute, and engaged in meaningful service projects.

NSU ROTC Military Ball
On Saturday evening, Martha and I were honored to attend the NSU ROTC Military Ball. This longstanding tradition celebrates the achievements of our cadets, honors the proud legacy of the Demon Battalion, and offers an opportunity for reflection, camaraderie, and celebration. We enjoyed an evening of dining and dancing alongside cadets, cadre, and community leaders. I want to extend a special thank you to Professor of Military Science Lieutenant Colonel Joshua Drake for his outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the ROTC program. His commitment to developing the next generation of military leaders is evident in the strength and spirit of the Demon Battalion.

Athletics Update
After a gutsy comeback ending with dramatic three-set victories by Maria Farina and Ayu Ishibashi Saturday for a 4-3 win over McNeese, our Lady Demon tennis team can clinch at least a Southland Conference co-championship Monday in an 11 a.m. homecourt match against Southeastern. Ishibashi and fellow senior Tjasa Klevisar will be honored in a ceremony shortly before play begins. Saturday’s triumph raised the team’s record to 7-0 in SLC competition with two matches remaining. Good luck Lady Demons!

Saturday was a picture-perfect day for our only home track and field meet, showcasing championship competitors and coaches at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex in the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational. There were many outstanding performances from our athletes, notably a Southland Conference record 400 meter time of 51.87 by senior Maygan Shaw. It was wonderful to see these young women and men compete on our campus!

Also on campus this weekend, we enjoyed having former softball players and staff members return for Alumni Weekend, and our Demon football team staged a very spirited Saturday morning scrimmage to pass the halfway point of spring practice.

In Houston, the NSU baseball team ran into the first-place team in the Southland, a very strong Houston Christian squad that took the first two games of the series. Our Demons slugged four home runs Sunday for a 10-5 victory. They host another of the best in the SLC, Lamar, in a three-game series beginning Thursday, leading us into Easter weekend.

As we move further into April, I encourage you to take pride in the important work you do every day to make NSU a place of opportunity and excellence. Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and mission.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University