I want to thank everyone for the incredible investiture ceremony that took place last weekend. I am genuinely humbled by the support and faith that you have shown in me, and I am honored to be the 20th president of Northwestern State University. I look forward to a bright future for our historic institution.

Capital Outlay

On Wednesday, several NSU personnel, area legislators and representatives gathered in Henderson Conference Room to discuss capital outlay priorities for Northwestern State University. I am happy to report that the most significant investment in capital outlay in over a decade has been allocated for our institution.

Top priorities are the new Robert Alost Hall and Sports Performance Center and Fieldhouse enhancements, along with addressing deferred maintenance and ADA compliance concerns.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation Awards NSU $1.8M To Address Regional Nursing Shortage

With the strategic investment from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation, Northwestern State University is expanding two programs that will make it easier for paramedics, military medics, and people with undergraduate science degrees to transition into high-paying nursing jobs and address the critical shortage of nurses in Louisiana. This tactical initiative will help fill critical roles in northwest and Central Louisiana’s rapidly shrinking healthcare workforce.

The $1.8 million grant from the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Foundation will be matched with $1.2 million in private support from our value-added partners:

  • Christus Bossier Emergency Hospital
  • Christus Coushatta Health Care Center
  • Natchitoches Regional Medical Center
  • Christus Highland Medical Center
  • Christus St. Frances Cabrini
  • RoyOMartin
  • Rapides Regional Medical Center
  • Willis-Knighton Health System
  • NSU Foundation

The collaborative partnership will provide 300 nurses to the workforce in the next four years, and more than 1,000 nurses by 2032, ensuring that northwest and central Louisiana’s healthcare labor market is stronger than ever.

NSU will be able to accommodate more students, particularly non-traditional students, with course offerings on nights and weekends and the addition of new nursing faculty and accompanying clinical sites.

Demon Football

The Demon Football team will face the Southern Miss Golden Eagles on Saturday.  Kickoff is set for 6:00pm CST and can be watched on ESPN3. Join us in Hattiesburg or tune in to support the Demons!

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University