It is gratifying that many of our students participate in programs and activities outside the classroom that expand their opportunities for future success and leadership.

Just this week, the Reginald F. Lewis Scholars and other student leaders at NSU attended the Universities of Louisiana Black Male Summit at the University of Louisiana Monroe. The students participated in breakout sessions, a networking reception and other activities and heard from keynote speakers Chris Hilliard, Author of “Seize the Day: A Memoir”, and Captain Lee Jackson, State River Pilot of the New Orleans-Baton Rouge Steamship Pilots Association and Chairman/President and CEO of Jackson Offshore Operators, LLC.

We appreciate the interest and involvement of our students in programs such as the Black Male Summit that enhance their opportunities for academic success and future leadership roles across the state and nation.

Ebenezer Aggrey Picture

Miss Northwestern Lady of the Bracelet Makenzie Scroggs has been competing all week in the Miss Louisiana 2022 competition in Monroe. Makenzie is a junior dance major from Marksville who was crowned Northwestern’s Miss Lady of the Bracelet in the fall.

The title qualified her to compete in the Miss Louisiana competition. The finale is set for Saturday night at the Monroe Civic Center. Tickets may be purchased online at www.misslouisiana.com. We extend our very best wishes to Makenzie as she represents Northwestern in this event.

Thank you to the faculty in various departments for coordinating summer camps providing area young people opportunities to explore art, science, technology and other interests on our campus.

These camps benefit not just the participants but also the university as we reach potential future students even at their young age. These camps help create a positive impression of the university among the young people and their parents and also provide supplemental funding that enhances our academic departments.

Spirit groups, sports teams and other students from schools throughout this region will be on campus during the summer for camps, clinics and other activities. These events provide opportunities for the university to attract future students at a time when maintaining stable enrollment has become a challenge for higher education nationwide.

Sen. Louie Bernard, who has represented Northwestern so effectively in the Louisiana Legislative over the past three years, has announced that he will not seek re-election when his term ends next year. He stated that he has been involved in public service for more than four decades and wants to spend more time with his family.

Sen. Bernard has been at the forefront of obtaining state funding for a major new academic facility at Northwestern and for the expansion and renovation of the Athletic Fieldhouse with a new sports performance complex, nutrition center and medical rehab facilities.

The university is indebted to him for his leadership in securing funding for these projects and supporting other important initiatives and programs at Northwestern. We look forward to continuing to work with him during his remaining time in the Senate and extend to him and his family best wishes for the future.

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University