Summer continues to be a productive and forward-moving season at Northwestern. Across every division, our faculty and staff are engaged in important work that strengthens our academic offerings, enhances student support, and expands our reach through innovative partnerships. As we prepare for the fall semester, I want to highlight a few recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives that reflect our shared commitment to progress and excellence.

Digital Media Institute Partnership
This fall, Northwestern State University will launch a new academic partnership with Building Our Region’s Future (BRF) and its Digital Media Institute (DMI) which offer students an innovative pathway from technical education to a four-year fine arts degree. Through this collaboration, students may begin their studies in DMI’s industry-driven Advertising & Design Associate of Applied Science program and transfer seamlessly into Northwestern’s Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts programs. Students will benefit from dual advising, coordinated academic calendars, and access to student services at both institutions. The partnership is designed to provide students with both practical workforce credentials and the opportunity to continue their education in the fine arts. It reflects a forward-thinking model for creative education and workforce readiness in Louisiana. We are grateful to our faculty in the Department of Fine and Graphic Arts, particularly Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck, for their leadership in advancing this exciting initiative.

Software Infrastructure Update
Last week, our Information Technology team completed a significant modernization of the software infrastructure supporting our Ellucian Banner Campus Information System. This complex project, which spanned over three months, lays the groundwork for enhanced functionality and future upgrades that will benefit students, faculty, and staff alike. I commend our IT staff for their outstanding work in executing this transition, including Ron Williams, Ron Wright, Bill Rose, Anna Jennings, Austin Green, Jorge Rodriguez, and Alicia Thompson. I also want to thank our partners at Strata Information Group including Anthony Becker, Rick Adams, and Emily Blinn, for their expert support and guidance throughout the process.

Brunson Recognized by International Literacy Association
I am proud to share that Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson, Professor of Education and Director of Graduate Programs in Early Childhood Education, has received the Maryann Manning Special Service Award from the International Literacy Association (ILA). This prestigious honor is presented to individuals who demonstrate a lifelong commitment to literacy and service to ILA’s global mission. Dr. Brunson’s work leading the Cradle to College initiative has been instrumental in reshaping early literacy outreach in our region. By engaging NSU students in service learning, collecting and distributing literacy bags, and advocating for early childhood education, she has positively impacted countless lives. Her leadership exemplifies the values of our university and the lasting difference educators can make in their communities. Please join me in congratulating Dr. Brunson on this well-deserved recognition.

In Memoriam: Ken Green
It is with great sadness that we acknowledge the passing of Ken Green, retired Associate Director of Bands and Professor of Percussion at Northwestern State University. Ken passed away on July 4 after a courageous battle with cancer. Ken Green joined NSU in 1993 and spent nearly three decades shaping the lives of his students and advancing percussion education across Louisiana and beyond. He was a passionate educator, accomplished performer, and beloved colleague whose impact resonates through generations of musicians and music educators. In 2022, he was inducted into the Ring of Honor for the Spirit of Northwestern Marching Band. Earlier this spring, alumni returned to campus for a special concert in his honor. A funeral service will be held on July 18 in Vails Gate, New York, followed by a musical tribute.

Nominations Open for Hall of Distinguished Educators
Northwestern State University’s College of Education and Human Development is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Hall of Distinguished Educators and Outstanding Young Professionals in Education. These awards recognize NSU alumni who have made significant contributions to the field of education at the local, state, or national level. Nominees for the Hall of Distinguished Educators must hold a degree in education from NSU and have at least 30 years of service. Nominees for Outstanding Young Professionals must be age 45 or younger and have a minimum of 10 years of experience in education. Applications are due by August 5 and are available at www.nsu.la/HODEapplications.

Athletics Update
All athletic letter-winners may vote through Thursday at midnight to help select the 2025 N-Club Hall of Fame inductees to be honored October 4 at Homecoming. Previously, only paid N-Club members could vote (now their ballots carry added value), but the N-Club Hall of Fame voting process is now open to everyone who lettered as a Northwestern athlete. There are dozens of remarkable nominees to consider. I invite everyone to look at the ballot and enjoy reliving the outstanding accomplishments by our former student-athletes, staff, and coaches.

Thank you for your continued dedication to the mission and progress of Northwestern. As we prepare for the upcoming academic year, I look forward to building on this momentum and celebrating the achievements of our students, faculty, and staff.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University