As we move deeper into the spring semester, our campus continues to be energized by meaningful engagement, strong partnerships, and opportunities that connect our students to future success. This past week reflected that momentum across multiple areas of the university.

ULS Academic Summit

This week, a team of 24 students and 10 faculty mentors traveled to Southeastern Louisiana University for the 15th Annual University of Louisiana System Academic Summit. The Summit highlights undergraduate work across a variety of disciplines, including visual and performing arts, research presentations, and service-learning projects. Northwestern’s team, representing six departments, had the largest delegation among the seven participating institutions. Presentations from students at all levels, including freshmen through graduating seniors, demonstrated the depth of talent on our campus and position us well for continued success in the years ahead.

Leadership Team

On Tuesday, our Leadership Team met to review key priorities and ensure continued alignment across the university. Updates were shared across each of our strategic focus areas, including student experience, academic excellence, market responsiveness, community enrichment, athletic prominence, and cultural competence. The discussion provided an opportunity to coordinate efforts, address emerging needs, and reinforce collaboration among divisions. I appreciate the commitment of this group to maintaining clear communication and advancing our institutional goals.

J. Walter Porter Professional Etiquette Training and Luncheon

Later Tuesday morning, I joined approximately 170 students, faculty, staff, and local alumni for the J. Walter Porter Professional Etiquette Training and Luncheon in the Student Union Ballroom. Hosted by the College of Business and Technology, the event featured certified etiquette trainer Sarah Aynesworth. This program provided an excellent opportunity for students to engage with alumni and local business leaders while developing professional skills that will serve them throughout their careers. We are grateful for the vision of J. Walter Porter, whose generosity continues to help bridge the gap between education and industry.

NSU vs. LSU Baseball Alumni Tailgate

On Tuesday afternoon, I joined more than 150 alumni and supporters for the NSU vs. LSU Alumni Tailgate and crawfish boil. This event provided an excellent opportunity to reconnect with our alumni and friends in a relaxed and spirited setting while celebrating Northwestern pride. The event was sponsored by the NSU Alumni Association and the Poirrier Group, with special thanks to Keith and Daniella Poirrier for their support. I also want to recognize the Office of Alumni and Development staff for their efforts in coordinating a successful and well-attended gathering.

Inspiring the Next Generation at the Work Natchitoches Summit

On Wednesday, I attended the Work Natchitoches Summit, where 11th grade students from local high schools participated in hands-on career exploration. The event provided meaningful exposure to regional career pathways and highlighted strong collaboration between education, business, and industry, led by the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce and local employers. I appreciate the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement for its role in planning the summit, as well as our faculty and staff who engaged directly with students. Northwestern State is proud to support initiatives that strengthen our regional workforce pipeline.

Student Experience Honors Reception

On Wednesday evening, Northwestern hosted the 3rd Annual Student Experience Honors Reception. Students, faculty, staff, administrators, and family members gathered to celebrate outstanding accomplishments and contributions that reflect strong engagement across our campus community. The event recognized individuals whose efforts have made a meaningful impact on campus life, with awards presented on behalf of Student Activities and Organizations, Greek Life, Student Affairs, and the Division of the Student Experience.

39th Annual Research Day

On Thursday, faculty, staff, graduate students, and undergraduate students representing 11 departments across three colleges delivered 56 presentations at Northwestern’s 39th Annual Research Day. The event highlighted the depth and diversity of research and creative activity taking place across our campus. The Research Ethics Board and staff from Watson Library also contributed sessions focused on research resources, compliance, and support services. Research Day continues to serve as an important platform for showcasing scholarship, encouraging collaboration, and promoting a culture of inquiry and innovation at Northwestern.

Career Connections Panel

On Thursday afternoon, students, faculty, and staff had the opportunity to hear from a distinguished group of young alumni representing a variety of industries across the country. Panelists shared their experiences at Northwestern, discussed their career paths, and offered valuable advice for success after graduation. While on campus, these alumni reconnected with the university community, engaged with current students, and strengthened relationships with faculty and staff in support of future student success initiatives. The event was sponsored by the President’s Leadership Program and the NSU Alumni Association and was coordinated and moderated by Leighann Westfall of the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Southland Conference Board of Directors Meeting

Later Thursday afternoon, Athletic Director Kevin Bostian and I participated in the Southland Conference Board of Directors meeting alongside our peer presidents and athletic directors. These discussions play an important role in shaping the policies and strategies that guide our conference, including budgeting, competitive balance, and student-athlete well-being.

We also continued discussions on the Southland Conference Framework for Competitive Equity, an important initiative aimed at ensuring fairness and long-term sustainability across the league. Collaboration at this level ensures that decisions are made in the best interest of our institutions and our student-athletes.

Spring Carnival

Spring energy was on full display Thursday evening during the Student Activities Board’s Spring Carnival. Iberville Green was transformed into a lively midway with rides, food, games, and prizes, drawing strong participation from across the student body. The Dunk-a-Dean booth was a highlight of the evening, and I can confirm that the president was among those who took a turn in the tank, much to the enjoyment of our students. Events like this contribute to the vibrant campus experience that defines Northwestern.

V.L. Roy Service Day

V.L. Roy Service Day continues to honor the legacy of former NSU President V. L. Roy, who served from 1911 to 1929 and is credited with establishing the Student Government Association in 1925. Since its launch in 2016, the event has grown into a meaningful campus and community tradition. This year’s event was held on Friday, with students volunteering at seven locations across campus and the surrounding community, including Rolling Hills Ministries Thrift Store, the Boys and Girls Club of Acadiana, the NSU E-Lab Butterfly Garden, the NSU Pantry, the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum, the Legacy Community Garden, and the Food Bank of Central Louisiana. The day reflected Northwestern’s strong commitment to service, community engagement, and the values established by President Roy. We look forward to continuing to build on this important tradition in the years ahead.

Symphony Society Spring Gala

Earlier this evening, Martha and I were pleased to host the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society Spring Gala at the President’s Residence. This annual event provides important support for scholarships that benefit our talented student musicians. We are grateful to the Symphony Society and all who contribute to the continued success of our music programs.

Athletics Update

Our Lady Demon tennis team will play Monday afternoon in the semifinals of the Southland Conference Tournament. Seeded second after a runner-up finish in the regular season, Coach Marcos Morelli’s team opened tournament play Sunday with a 4-1 victory over UT Rio Grande Valley, improving its record to 12-7. Entering the weekend, several players earned All-Southland Conference honors, highlighted by Martina Acebedo Bonocore, who was named SLC Freshman of the Year and earned first-team All-SLC recognition in both singles and doubles. Congratulations to Martina and our entire team.

The NSU track and field program continues to perform at a high level against top competition. Competing in three meets this past weekend, our athletes recorded several outstanding marks. Most notably, the men’s 4×400 meter relay team of Desmond Duncan, Kason Jones, Charlie Bartholomew, and Will Achee set a new school record with a time of 3:04.45, winning the event over national power Arkansas at the prestigious Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut, California. For a full recap of these performances, please visit NSUDemons.com.

The Northwestern softball team faced a challenging week of conference play with road series at Lamar and Texas A&M-Corpus Christi. The Lady Demons posted a 2-4 record for the week, including a series win over a strong Lamar team. They will conclude the regular season at home this Friday with a 4 p.m. doubleheader, followed by a Saturday noon game against Nicholls.

Although the Demon baseball team was highly competitive in its four games last week, including a midweek matchup at LSU and a three-game conference series at Lamar, it came up short in the results. The 4-2 loss Tuesday at LSU was tightly contested throughout, and the second game of Sunday’s doubleheader at Lamar required 15 innings to decide the outcome. Coach Chris Bertrand now leads the team back home for a Tuesday 6 p.m. game against ULM, followed by a Wednesday road trip to Southern, and a weekend home series against Stephen F. Austin.

Looking Ahead

On April 25, Northwestern State and the Natchitoches community will come together for 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.

The 44th annual Chris Roper Memorial Golf Tournament will also take place on April 25, providing important support for student scholarships.

These events offer meaningful opportunities to celebrate our traditions, support our students, and bring together alumni, students, and friends in a spirit of connection and pride. For more information on these and other upcoming events, please click here.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and to the mission of Northwestern State University. Your work each day makes a lasting difference.

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University