NSU completed the second session of Freshman Connection this week. As we continue to strive for excellence in all that we do, I commend all faculty and staff on providing a first-class experience for future students and parents. Through these types of interactions, we are able to make an impact on the lives of those we serve. Keep up the great work! I look forward to Session 3 next week on June 1-2.

The collaboration between NSU’s Department of New Media, Journalism, & Communication Arts and KTBS has been productive. This week, the News Service was awarded two Telly Awards, an international multimedia competition with news, graphics, advertising, and film categories. Both news stories were written, shot, produced, and edited by students in the NSU-TV News Service. Both stories aired on KTBS newscasts.

The awards are:

  • Darkwoods, Halloween Season
    • Multimedia Journalist: Hannah Angell – Silver Telly: Non Broadcast, General, Student
  • NSU New Football Coordinators
    • Anchor: Daniel Brown (KTBS), Reporter: Brylee Brown (NSU-TV News Service), Camera/Editor: Colin Vedros (NSU-TV News Service) – Bronze Telly: General, Television

Three Lady Demons will compete at the NCAA East Preliminaries at Indiana University on Thursday evening. Sprinter Lynell Washington and hurdler Janiel Moore will attempt to land in the top 24 to make their event final Saturday, while Annemarie Broussard could punch her ticket to the NCAAs by finishing in the top 12 in the pole vault. We wish these student-athletes the best as they compete on the biggest stages.

The NCAA Division I Graduation Rates Institution Report was released privately this week, and NSU has received great acclaim. Our 71% Federal Graduation Rate not only represents an all-time high, but it is the first time we have exceeded the 70% mark. Our 88% NCAA Graduation Success Rate represents a new milestone and marks the 8th straight report we have set a record.

This is a testament to the hard work of our student-athletes, coaches, and staff. We are committed to providing our student-athletes with the resources they need to succeed in the classroom and on the field of play.

On Monday, May 30, we observe Memorial Day. Let us remember all of the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. We honor their memory and their service, and we pledge never to forget their heroic deeds.

I’m grateful to all of you for making Northwestern State University an enriching and rewarding institution. Our sole purpose as an institution is to grow the intellect, creativity, and personhood of our students – so they may experience vitality in their lives and careers.

It starts with all of us. I encourage all faculty and staff to be mindful of the mission and express commitment to recruiting and retention efforts. We all play an essential role in attracting and retaining students.

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University