As summer winds down, we are preparing to welcome our faculty, staff, and students back to campus for the start of another exciting academic year. Over the past week, I have had the privilege of representing Northwestern in key meetings and celebrating notable achievements that reflect the momentum we continue to build together.

Congressional Update
On Monday, I joined LSMSA Executive Director Dr. Steve Horton, Cane River National Heritage Area CEO Rebecca Blankenbaker, Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., Laurie Morrow, and Rodney Wilson for a Congressional Update with U.S. Representative Cleo Fields, hosted by the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce. Representative Fields shared insight into federal priorities and the challenges ahead. We look forward to working closely with Representative Fields to pursue grant funding and explore congressionally directed opportunities that support Northwestern’s growth and development.

Rapides Parish Opening of Schools Meeting
On Tuesday morning, I attended the Rapides Parish “Opening of Schools” meeting, where more than 2,400 educators, school leaders, elected officials, and district personnel gathered to celebrate accomplishments and set goals for the year ahead. Louisiana’s recent improvement on the nation’s report card—from 49th to 32nd in education—is a testament to the dedication of our educators. This event provided an excellent opportunity to share information about Northwestern and connect with those who can help us recruit the next generation of Demons.

Economic Development Appreciation Lunch
Later on Tuesday, I was pleased to host our Economic Development team for an appreciation luncheon. I would like to thank Executive Director of Economic Development, Laurie Morrow for her leadership and the entire division for their efforts to expand our partnerships and strengthen Northwestern’s economic impact. It was a pleasure to spend time with the team and learn more about their ongoing initiatives.

Campus Master Plan
On Wednesday, I met with our campus master plan advisory committee to receive an update from AQ Studios and Carbo Landscape Architecture. The presentation included the final draft of the plan and outlined steps remaining in the process. I am encouraged by the progress and look forward to sharing the completed plan with the campus community soon as we continue shaping the future of Northwestern.

ULS President’s Retreat
On Thursday and Friday, I participated in the University of Louisiana System President’s Retreat. Attending this event was one of my first responsibilities as president last year, and it has been rewarding to reflect on how far we have come in just 12 months. The retreat focused on the state of higher education in Louisiana and collaborative strategies to strengthen our system. I am proud that Northwestern is well positioned to contribute to these efforts through our work in enrollment management, workforce development, curriculum innovation, and public-private partnerships. These initiatives align closely with the ULS’s strategic priorities and underscore our growing leadership role. A good and solid presentation was made by Northwestern at this retreat with emphasis on our growth and financial stability.

CONSAH Accolades
I am pleased to share several recent accomplishments that highlight the excellence within our College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. All junior and senior students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography program achieved a 100 percent pass rate on the Sonography Principles and Instrumentation examination, a key credentialing milestone that reflects both the dedication of our students and the outstanding instruction provided by our faculty.

Two of our faculty members have also achieved significant professional milestones. Assistant Professor in the College of Nursing, Donald J. Stafford, has been appointed Chair of the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists Self-Evaluation Examination Committee for 2025–2026, a prestigious national role that enhances Northwestern’s reputation in nurse anesthesia education. And Dr. Laura Aaron, Professor in the School of Allied Health, published an article titled “Psychological Safety of Radiologic Science Students” in the May/June 2025 issue of Radiologic Technology. Her research contributes significantly to the advancement of clinical education in radiologic sciences and reflects the high caliber of scholarship at Northwestern.

Athletics Update
Turpin Stadium was the place to be Saturday morning for a Demon football showcase. The team went through its first full scrimmage of preseason camp as the centerpiece of Fan Fest 25, which included season ticket distribution to our loyal supporters, a free jambalaya lunch, an autographing of schedule posters by our Demon football players, and the entertaining sounds of Deep Water Rehab, led by former Demon center, Thomas Little, of Winnfield. Our team is progressing nicely with less than three weeks left before kickoff.

Kickoff for fall soccer is this Thursday at Texas and Sunday at SMU. The team looked sharp in Baton Rouge Friday night in a 6-0 exhibition win over Southern. By comparison, we edged Southern 1-0 in last year’s exhibition.

Our softball program continues to represent the student-athlete ideal under coach Jenny Fuller. Thirteen of our players have earned Easton/National Fastpitch Coaching Association All-America Scholar-Athlete honors. Earning their second consecutive awards are Cameron Curtis, Aly Delafield, and Sophia Livers. First-time winners are Sara Kate Booker, Tori Clayton, Savannah Coleman, Brynn Daniel, Ary Garcia Santana, DJ Lynch, Grace Ann McDonald, Peyton Peck, and Riley Schwisow. A 3.50 or better cumulative GPA for the 2024-25 academic year is the standard to qualify. Congratulations to these young ladies, their coaches, and academic advisors.

Looking Ahead
The start of the fall semester is just around the corner. Faculty on call begins this week, and our Faculty Institute will take place Thursday, August 14, at 9:00 a.m., in the Student Union Ballroom, followed by the Faculty and Staff Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. in Iberville Dining Hall. Classes begin Monday, August 18, and our football season kicks off at home on Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m. against Alcorn State.

Thank you for your continued commitment to our students and our mission. I look forward to seeing many of you at the upcoming events as we begin another successful year at Northwestern. And most importantly, please mark your calendar for Thursday, August 28, at 7:00 p.m., at Turpin Stadium. This is a BIG GAME for NSU. Please show your support by filling the stands at Turpin Stadium. You can help lift our team to victory.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University