I am pleased to share highlights from this past week that reflect the achievements of our faculty, staff, and students, as well as the progress we continue to make as a university.

Enrollment Update

Friday marked the 14th class day and the certification of our official Fall 2025 census. Tomorrow, we will announce that Northwestern welcomed its largest freshman class in four years, along with a record number of transfer students. Our total enrollment stands at 8,402, reflecting steady growth in student engagement and academic quality.

The entering freshman class holds a stronger academic profile, with the average ACT score rising to 21.6, which is one point higher than last year and well above the Louisiana average. Campus housing is at full capacity across all residence halls, underscoring the demand for the on-campus experience. Demon Days activities such as Color Chaos, Demons Come Out Night, and the New Student Convocation have seen record participation, creating a vibrant start to the semester.

Support programs like FLAME and expanded tutoring are making a measurable impact on retention and student success, while the new $45 million Robert Alost Hall now serves as a centerpiece for academic life. With more than 2,000 dual-enrollment students and a growing statewide presence, we are positioned for continued momentum. Thank you for your commitment and dedication which make these successes possible.

2025–26 Tenure and Promotion List

Northwestern has granted tenure to 15 faculty members and 20 faculty members have received promotions effective with the start of the 2025–26 academic year. These recommendations were approved by the University of Louisiana System Board of Supervisors. Please join me in congratulating our colleagues for reaching these significant milestones. For a full list, click here.

Board of Regents Support Fund Informational Sessions

Last week, I joined Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Greg Handel and Director of Sponsored Programs Alysia Jones for a series of informational sessions hosted by Board of Regents staff on preparing proposals for the 2025–26 Board of Regents Support Fund (BORSF) competitive cycle. Act 222 of the 2025 Regular Legislative Session repeals the Kevin P. Reilly Louisiana Education Quality Trust Fund and its subfunds, including the BORSF. A constitutional amendment to enact this repeal will go before voters on April 18, 2026. If approved, all Support Fund programs will be permanently terminated in FY 2025–26 and redirected for other purposes.

Given this possibility, it is essential that we maximize this final opportunity. I extend special thanks to faculty from the College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences, who are preparing submissions for the Research Competitiveness Subprogram, Endowed Chairs for Eminent Scholars, and Endowed Superior Graduate Student Scholarships. I also thank Board of Regents Deputy Commissioner for Sponsored Programs Carrie Robison and Senior Grants Program Administrator Bryan Jones for their guidance during these sessions.

Columns Fund Annual Giving Campaign

We kicked off our annual Columns Fund giving campaign last week encouraging all alumni and supporters to contribute. The Columns Fund provides essential scholarships, programs, and opportunities that shape the lives of our students. Each gift is an investment in their ambition, resilience, and drive to build a brighter future. When you give, you are not simply supporting a fund, you are becoming part of a student's story. To learn more or to contribute, click here.

Athletics Update

Martha and I were pleased to join our football team for its trip to the University of Minnesota to a game which not only brought home a very significant financial reward, but one that provided encouraging signs despite the overwhelming final score. Coach McCorkle expressed this well when he said, "Success is defined by improvement. Even with the score today – opponent aside – we're an improved football team." The effort was relentless, and the spirit and determination were evident. We were extremely proud of how our student-athletes conducted themselves during the trip, representing our university with pride and class.

Our rebuilding volleyball team finally plays a home match Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. in Prather Coliseum against UL Lafayette. The early non-conference schedule under our new coach, Ben Kaszeta, is designed to prepare the Demons for Southland Conference play beginning late this month with our second home game.

Congratulations to senior cross country competitor John Klein for his second-place finish among 125 runners Saturday morning at the UT-Tyler Opener. Our men's and women's track teams run at home Friday afternoon at 5:45 near and finishing at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex, and again Oct. 31, when we host the Southland Conference Championships.

After shutting out Grambling 3-0 at home Thursday evening, the Demon soccer team battled to a 1-1 draw Sunday evening in a spirited battle against the visitors from UL Lafayette. With a 4-1-2 record including a win over 19th-ranked Texas, the ladies are off to a strong start nearing the start of the conference season. They travel to play Abilene Christian this Thursday for the last non-conference match this fall and will be home again Sunday afternoon, Sept. 21, against Stephen F. Austin in a rematch of last season's regular-season championship game.

Looking Ahead

Faculty Showcase Concert: Tuesday, Sept. 9 at 7:30 p.m., in Magale Recital Hall. Free admission; livestream available.
Remote Pilot Certification Prep Course: Sept. 13–14 in Kyser Hall. Two-day workshop designed to prepare individuals for the FAA Remote Pilot Certification Exam.
Part-Time Job Fair: Tuesday, Sept. 9 from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom. Local employers will connect with students for part-time jobs and internships.
Thank you for your continued work on behalf of our students and for the spirit of collaboration that moves Northwestern forward.

Fork 'Em Demons,

President James T. "Jimmy" Genovese
Northwestern State University