As we approach the beginning of another academic year, activity is steadily increasing across our campuses. Faculty and staff throughout the university are working diligently to help students prepare for the fall semester, strengthen our connections with the communities we serve and showcase the many qualities that make Northwestern a special place to learn, work and belong. I appreciate your continued commitment during this important time of preparation.

Registration Rally

This past week, students preparing to begin college this fall received assistance with enrollment, financial aid and campus resources during Northwestern State University’s Registration Rally. The event helped students complete important steps before classes begin.

Held in the Friedman Student Union, the rally brought together representatives from Financial Aid, the Registrar’s Office, Housing, Student Accounting and Cashiering, Admissions, our academic colleges and other campus departments to answer questions and guide students through the enrollment process. It also provided another opportunity for students who were unable to attend Freshman Connection, including transfer, nontraditional and first-generation students, to complete their enrollment requirements. Additional Registration Rally events will be held in Shreveport on Monday, and Alexandria on Tuesday. Registration for the fall semester will continue through August 16. Thank you to everyone working across our campuses to help students begin their Northwestern experience with confidence and support.

NSU Earns Multiple Top-Five Niche Rankings

I am pleased to share that Northwestern State University earned multiple top-five rankings in Louisiana in Niche’s 2026 Best Colleges rankings, including No. 1 for Best Colleges for Nursing and No. 1 for Best College Dorms. Niche also ranked NSU among Louisiana’s top five for Best College Campuses, Colleges with the Best Student Life, and Best College Locations. Niche develops its annual rankings through an analysis of statistics from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of student and alumni reviews. The rankings consider academics, value, campus life, student experience, and other factors to help prospective students evaluate colleges and universities across the country. These recognitions reflect the quality of our academic programs, the strength of our campus community, and the dedication of our faculty and staff to creating an exceptional student experience.

Natchitoches Parish Back-to-School Expo

We were pleased to host the Natchitoches Parish School Board’s third annual Back-to-School Expo on Monday afternoon in Prather Coliseum. More than 1,500 students and family members attended and had the opportunity to meet teachers and principals, learn about resources available through the school district and community, and enjoy an afternoon of activities. More than 50 booths represented area schools, specialized services offered by the school board, the Natchitoches Parish Sheriff’s Office, local police and fire departments, nonprofit organizations and businesses. Representatives provided parents and families with valuable information about the school district and the broader community. We appreciate the opportunity to welcome this important event to our campus and help local students prepare for a successful school year.

Leadership Natchitoches

On Thursday evening, NSU welcomed Cohort 7 of Leadership Natchitoches to campus for a tour of Alost Hall. Participants also engaged in a thoughtful discussion with university and community leaders about the important relationship between Northwestern and Natchitoches and how we can continue working together to strengthen our university, workforce, and community. We appreciate our continued partnership with the Natchitoches Area Chamber of Commerce and its leadership in hosting the Leadership Natchitoches program. Together, we are investing in the people who will lead and strengthen our community for generations to come.

Natchitoches Christmas Festival Centennial Kickoff

On Friday, Martha and I joined community leaders to officially begin the countdown to the 100th anniversary of the Natchitoches Christmas Festival of Lights during the Christmas in July: Countdown to 100 Celebration. The event included a press conference and centennial kickoff at the Natchitoches Events Center, remarks from community leaders, the unveiling of the official centennial poster, and the grand opening of the “Christmas 100” exhibit. The exhibit invites visitors to explore a century of treasured Christmas memories and traditions in Natchitoches. We encourage all of you to join us this December in the heart of the National Historic Landmark District as we celebrate 100 years of Christmas magic in Natchitoches.

NSU Cornhole Team Produces a World Champion

Our club sports offerings continue to expand and thrive. We frequently see social media updates highlighting new participants and growing support for our new rodeo team, while the fishing team continues to enjoy success in recruiting and competition. Now, our cornhole team has a world champion. Team president Cannon Hatcher captured the “King of Cornhole 21” World Singles title at the American Cornhole Organization World Championships in Owensboro, Kentucky. I look forward to seeing Cannon and his teammates demonstrate their skills at football tailgates and other events this fall. Congratulations, Cannon!

Athletics Update

Football season is rapidly approaching. Following months of preparation, our Demons will begin preseason practice Tuesday morning. Last Tuesday, Coach Blaine McCorkle, graduate running back Myion Hicks, and graduate linebacker Danny Sears represented Northwestern at the annual Southland Conference Opening Drive media event in Houston. Both players were elected team captains by their teammates this spring, with Sears earning the honor for the second consecutive year.

For the second year in a row, NSU football ranks among the top two teams in the 10-member conference for having the fewest players enter the transfer portal. Thirteen Demons entered the portal this year, second only to Southeastern Louisiana, after NSU led the Southland in player retention in 2025. This continuity is a testament to the sound foundation and culture Coach McCorkle has established within our program. Our players take pride in their university and are having a positive experience as they continue rebuilding our program to contend for championships.

The Demon baseball team has earned the American Baseball Coaches Association’s 2025-26 Team Academic Excellence Award, which recognizes ABCA member programs that achieved a cumulative team grade point average of at least 3.0 during the academic year. Coach Chris Bertrand’s student-athletes recorded a 3.39 team GPA during the 2025-26 academic year. Thirty-two players were named to the Southland Conference Commissioner’s Spring Honor Roll, which recognizes student-athletes who earned at least a 3.0 GPA during their semester of competition. Nine of those players achieved perfect 4.0 GPAs. Job well done!

As we enter the final weeks of summer, thank you for all you are doing to prepare for the return of our students. The energy and excitement of a new academic year are already building, and I look forward to all that we will accomplish together this fall.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University