As we approach Summer, I’m delighted to share some exciting updates and initiatives happening at Northwestern State University.

Session 1 of Freshman Connection was a resounding success as we welcomed a fantastic group of new students to our campus. I extend my gratitude to all the faculty, staff, and current students who showcased our exceptional service and dedication during this event. Your efforts truly embodied the spirit of Northwestern State. We now eagerly anticipate Session 2 of Freshman Connection next week.

In partnership with the College of Business and Technology and IBM, NSU will offer a live online IBM course taught by alumnus Monty Chicola, President and CEO of Real Vision Software, Inc. This course will cover programming in RPG and CL, AI programming on the IBM platform, and offer an IBM Certification Badge. We’re thrilled to introduce this course starting in the Spring 2025 semester. For more information, please visit https://www.engagensu.com/ibm/.

The Center for Research, Education, and Artistic Teamwork Exploration (CREATE) serves as a vibrant hub for our faculty, staff, and students to collaborate and drive interdisciplinary activities within the College of Arts and Sciences. This academic year, we’ve witnessed inspiring projects take shape:

Upgraded Virtual Campus Map: Our campus map on CampusTours now includes new layers showing parking, roads, and accessible routes, enhancing navigation and planning for everyone on campus.

Cross-Disciplinary SCI1010: This innovative effort brings together our STEM and CAPA schools to design a general physical science course specifically for our creative majors, integrating relevant artistic examples to spark greater interest in science.

Thinkers, Tinkers, and Talkers Podcast: A COAS initiative that showcases the diverse interests and expertise of our faculty through engaging podcast episodes, diving into different topics across arts, humanities, and sciences.

The enthusiasm from all participants in CREATE has been truly uplifting, and we’re eager to continue this momentum into the 2024-2025 academic year.

On Monday, May 27, NSU will observe Memorial Day. Let us take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We pledge to never forget their heroic deeds and service.

I am grateful to each of you for making Northwestern State University an enriching and rewarding institution. Together, we play a crucial role in attracting and retaining students. Our sole purpose is to foster the intellectual, creative, and personal growth of our students, enabling them to achieve life and career success.

Have a safe, relaxing, and enjoyable Memorial Day weekend.

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University