I hope this message finds you well. This past week has been full of meaningful events and opportunities to connect with our students, alumni, and supporters throughout the state. I am grateful for the commitment each of you brings to our university community. Below are some highlights from the week.

AKA New Member Gala
On Wednesday evening, I joined members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for their annual New Members Gala. This was an opportunity to celebrate new members and engage with student leaders who are making a positive impact on campus. Student organizations such as AKA offer opportunities for leadership development, community involvement, and personal growth that enrich the student experience at NSU.

Walter Porter Experience
On Thursday morning, I was pleased to join faculty, staff, and students from the College of Business and Technology for the annual Walter Porter Experience. This engaging event allowed students to explore career paths, gain real-world insights, and connect with professionals in banking and entrepreneurship. I want to thank Blaine Hodges of Community Bank of Louisiana and business leaders Alba Johnson, Katelyn Murphy, Danielle Smith, and Pam Pearce for their time and support.

Investiture of Justice Cade Cole
On Thursday evening, I had the honor of attending the Investiture Ceremony for Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice Cade Cole. This event was especially meaningful to me, as Justice Cole now fills the seat I held for the past eight years serving District 3. He is one of the youngest justices to serve on the Louisiana Supreme Court and is well respected throughout the legal community. It was inspiring to see so many judges and elected officials from across the state in attendance.

Ellevate Louisiana Legislative Leadership Conference
On Friday, Martha and I attended the 6th Annual Legislative Leadership Conference hosted by Ellevate Louisiana. We heard directly from Senate President Cameron Henry, House Speaker Phillip DeVillier, and other legislative leaders who shared insights into the state’s priorities. Ellevate Louisiana was founded by Julie Stokes, a former member of the Louisiana House of Representatives and current member of the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. The organization empowers women leaders by providing education on state issues and advocating for data-driven, nonpartisan solutions to move Louisiana forward.

Demons on the Road – Baton Rouge and New Orleans
On Friday evening, Martha and I joined NSU alumni and supporters in Baton Rouge for a Demons on the Road gathering. On Saturday night, we had a wonderful turnout for our New Orleans event. These evenings were filled with conversation, excitement, and pride in the progress we are making at Northwestern. They also provided a chance to listen and learn from our alumni community. To find an event near you, click here.

Distinguished Communications Professionals Awards
On Friday, the Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts hosted a luncheon and awards program to honor three distinguished alumni. Lane Luckie, Valsin Marmillion, and the late Jerry Byrd Sr. were recognized as Distinguished Communications Professionals for their outstanding careers and contributions to journalism, media, public relations, and communications. This biennial award celebrates both excellence in the field and support for our department. Congratulations to our 2025 honorees.

Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Induction Ceremony
This afternoon, I was honored to welcome students and families at the Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society Induction Ceremony. We proudly inducted 155 new members this year. These students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to learning. Their success reflects the values we uphold at Northwestern. I look forward to seeing all they will accomplish during their time with us.

Symphony Society Spring Gala
Earlier this evening, Martha and I were honored to host the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Society (NNSS) Spring Gala at the President’s Residence. This annual event plays a vital role in raising funds to support scholarships for our talented student musicians. We are grateful for the continued generosity and support of the NNSS and all who contribute to the success of our music programs.

Athletics Update
What a thrilling and impressive weekend Southland Conference series win by our Demon baseball team against a UT-Rio Grande Valley team having an excellent season! NSU scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth to complete a comeback from a 5-0 deficit to take Friday night’s opening game. After Saturday’s rainout forced a chilly Sunday doubleheader at Brown-Stroud Field, the Demons overcame a hard-fought first-game loss and got what was the game-winning two-out grand slam in the bottom of the eighth from Braden Benton for an 8-5 triumph. It’s the fifth straight SLC series win for coach Bert’s “Bistro Battlers” and raises their record to 20-12 overall, 12-6 in the conference.

The nation’s youngest softball team continues to compete like champions-to-be. In each of their four defeats last week, they showed toughness and resilience as they chased victory against superior opposition from ULM and SFA. While the results are frustrating, the effort is inspiring, and the steady improvement is obvious.

Our track and field teams are on campus this Saturday for their only home competition of the spring, the Leon Johnson NSU Invitational. I encourage you to check the schedule of events on NSUDemons.com and if you have the chance, make it out on what will be a beautiful spring day at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex to support our championship program filled with quality student-athletes. With 11 event wins and lots of personal record marks, NSU had a strong showing Friday and Saturday in Baton Rouge at Southern’s Pelican Relays.

After two weeks away from competition due partly to weather conditions, our Lady Demon tennis team plays today at LSU Shreveport to tune up for a homecourt Southland Conference contest Saturday against McNeese. With our 6-0 conference record, we have a one-game lead with three matches remaining, two at home Saturday and next Monday vs. SLU.

I enjoyed a few looks at spring football practice last week and look forward to the upcoming scrimmage Saturday morning in Turpin Stadium. The improvement from fall to spring is obvious!

Looking Ahead
In May, we will celebrate two significant anniversaries for our health sciences programs. The College of Nursing will commemorate its 75th anniversary, and the School of Allied Health will mark its 55th. Receptions are planned to honor the legacy and impact of these programs on Thursday, May 1 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Shreveport Campus and Thursday, May 8 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Cenla Campus in Alexandria. These events will recognize the alumni, faculty, and healthcare partners who have contributed to the continued success of these vital programs. I encourage you to join us in celebrating these important milestones.

Thank you for your continued commitment to the mission of Northwestern State University. Your hard work and dedication help move us forward, and I appreciate all that you do.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University