As we prepare to welcome students back to campus, I am encouraged by the energy and momentum that continues to build across our university. From faculty leadership to community partnerships, Northwestern is well positioned for a successful fall semester.

IACUC Yearly Update
On Monday, I met with Dr. Chris Lyles and Dr. Rachel Cezar-Martinez, our new Veterinary Technology Department Head. Dr. Cezar-Martinez shared her vision for the program and provided an annual update on Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) compliance. IACUC is federally mandated to oversee the humane care and use of vertebrate animals in research, teaching, and testing. I am pleased to report that our program is fully compliant and commend Dr. Cezar-Martinez for her thoughtful leadership and ambitious plans for growth.

Rotary Meetings
On Tuesday, I attended the Natchitoches Rotary Club meeting where Representatives Gabe Firment and Jason DeWitt shared legislative updates. We are grateful for their support of Northwestern’s priorities during the session. I would also like to thank Rotary President Louie Bernard for his leadership. We look forward to working with the club to expand our engagement within the community.

On Wednesday, I traveled to Baton Rouge as a guest of Lela Mae Wilkes at the Baton Rouge Rotary Club meeting. The event featured LSU Football Head Coach Brian Kelly and drew a large audience of civic and business leaders. It was a valuable opportunity to network with many who have personal or professional ties to Northwestern and expressed their enthusiasm for the university’s direction.

“Proud to be Purple” Campaign
Last week, Northwestern and the City of Natchitoches officially launched the “Proud to be Purple” campaign to celebrate Demon pride and welcome students back to campus. Local businesses may request NSU-branded items such as flags, decals, and yard signs to demonstrate their support. NSU Ambassadors and student-athletes are helping distribute these materials through August 15.

To highlight the university’s role in the region, a promotional card featuring key findings from our recent economic impact study will be distributed with the campaign materials. Special thanks to the City of Natchitoches, the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce, Cane River National Heritage Area, Natchitoches Parish Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Northwestern’s Offices of Marketing & Branding and Economic Development for spearheading this impactful initiative.

David Morgan Honored by Pi Kappa Phi
On Saturday evening, Martha and I attended the National Pi Kappa Phi Alumni Reunion in New Orleans, where NSU alumnus and Long Purple Line inductee David Morgan received the fraternity’s highest national honor: Mr. Pi Kappa Phi. David began his lifelong commitment to the organization in 1970 when he was initiated into the Beta Omicron Chapter at Northwestern. He has since played a vital leadership role in the Beta Omicron Alumni Chapter.

Together with his wife, Sherry, David has invested significantly in Greek life and the university, including the establishment of the Extra Mile scholarship program for members of Pi Kappa Phi and Sigma Sigma Sigma. Notably, David has been extremely supportive of our School of Business as a donor, advisor, and by employing our graduates. The Morgans also provided the lead gift for the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center, a transformational project for our athletics program. Please join me in congratulating David on this well-deserved honor.

Athletics Update
National academic honors were awarded last week to our women’s tennis and women’s track and field programs. The Intercollegiate Tennis Association recognized Northwestern as an ITA All-Academic Team for having a cumulative 3.2 or better GPA (ours was 3.72), and honored student-athletes Ayu Ishibashi, Zoi Spyrou, Sofia Garcia, Maria Farina, Honoka Umeda, Pika Doberlet, and Valeria Ortega as ITA Scholar-Athletes with 3.5 GPAs in the 2024-25 academic year. The U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association named NSU as an All-Academic Team (minimum 3.0 GPA for the competitive season) and recognized student-athletes Raven-Symone Jarrett, Shakera Kirk, Teodora Samac, Maygan Shaw, and Shakera Williams as USTFCCA Scholar-Athletes with GPAs of at least 3.25 this past season. Congratulations ladies!

Our head track and field coach, Mike Heimerman, was again recognized as Coach of the Year on the All-Louisiana women’s team selected by the Louisiana Sports Writers Association. He shared the honor with LSU’s Dennis Shaver. Among the student-athletes named All-Louisiana by virtue of posting one of the top three performances in their events by any state collegiate athlete this season, 12 Demons (nine women) earned that distinction. For the list, check www.NSUDemons.com.

Thursday, August 28, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., in Turpin Stadium, is one of the most important athletic events in NSU’s comeback football program. Coach McCorkle and our players need you there and need your support.  Please, please try to attend. Wear your purple. Let’s fill the stands and show our unyielding and solid support for our Demon football team. This is an important part of our total commitment to return Northwestern to the prominence it deserves.

Thank you for your continued dedication as we approach the start of a new academic year. Your work across all campuses makes a lasting difference in the lives of our students and the future of our institution.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University