As we move deeper into summer, the pace on our campuses remains strong with continued activity focused on growth, improvement, and meaningful engagement. I want to thank each of you for your dedication to Northwestern State University and for the vital role you play in our collective progress. Below are several highlights from the past week.

CENLA Chamber Legislative Appreciation Luncheon
On Monday, I had the pleasure of joining Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce President Laura Lyles, Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., Laurie Morrow, Rodney Wilson, Jason Parks, Dr. Alicia Book, and Dr. Kari Cook for the Central Louisiana Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Appreciation Luncheon. The event featured members of our Central Louisiana legislative delegation and provided an opportunity to hear firsthand about the outcome of the recent legislative session. I want to thank our CENLA faculty and staff for their hard work and commitment to our mission. I am also grateful to our regional legislators for their continued support of Northwestern and for prioritizing investments that benefit our students and our communities.

Warrington Hall Renovation Planning
On Tuesday morning, I traveled to Shreveport to meet with representatives from the Louisiana Division of Administration, Facility Planning and Control (FP&C), and TBA Studios to initiate planning for the long-awaited renovation of Warrington Hall. The comprehensive scope of the project will include upgrades throughout the facility to house the NSU Child and Family Network and to expand classroom and lab space for the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health. My thanks to Jennifer Kelly for coordinating with FP&C, and to Nancy Alexander and Dr. Greg Handel for representing NSU CFN and CONSAH during this important meeting. This project reflects the state’s commitment to early childhood development and to the continued advancement of healthcare education in our region, and will further enhance our superior nursing program.

Cane River Waterway Commission Scholarships
On Tuesday evening, I attended the Cane River Waterway Commission meeting in support of a scholarship proposal benefiting undergraduate and graduate biology students. I am pleased to announce that the Commission has approved a $200,000 investment to establish two $100,000 endowments. These scholarships will support students conducting research for and completing internships with the CRWC. We are deeply grateful to CRWC President Jim Rhodes and fellow commissioners for their generous support. Special thanks to Dr. Fran Lemoine and Dr. Chris Lyles for preparing the proposal, and also to Jill Bankston for facilitating the establishment of these important endowments.

Business Affairs Appreciation Lunch
This week, I was pleased to host our Business Affairs team at the President’s Residence for an appreciation luncheon. It was a pleasure to spend time with the individuals who work diligently behind the scenes to ensure the smooth operation and fiscal health of our university. I want to thank our CFO Rodney Wilson for his leadership and all members of the division for their commitment to service and stewardship. I enjoyed getting to know many of you better and look forward to more opportunities to celebrate your contributions to NSU.

Athletics Infrastructure Meetings
On Thursday afternoon, I held a series of meetings focused on critical improvements to our athletic facilities. We began with discussions on the resurfacing of the track and the installation of lighting at the Walter P. Ledet Track Complex. I was honored to receive a championship ring from Athletics Director Kevin Bostian and Coach Mike Heimerman in recognition of our women’s track and field team’s Southland Conference championship. I am proud of the team’s accomplishments and excited about the upgrades scheduled for this fall.

Following that meeting, I reviewed infrastructure needs with representatives from Athletics and IT. Plans are underway for immediate improvements to underground electrical and fiber optic systems that support our athletic facilities. Special thanks to Martin Iddon, Blayne Henson, and Rocky Perritt for their leadership in this effort. We also discussed progress on the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center, scheduled for completion in spring 2026, as well as upcoming renovations to the athletic fieldhouse. Additionally, Kevin provided updates on long-term goals to securing funding for additional athletic facilities. I am grateful for Kevin’s vision and for the external support he continues to secure for these transformational projects.

Career Connection Camp
I am excited to report the outstanding success of our inaugural Career Connection Camp, held July 9-10 during our fourth Freshman Connection event. This two-day experience welcomed 45 students from across Louisiana and one from Arizona, with high participation each day. Campers engaged with nine academic departments, supported by 17 faculty and staff members and 16 volunteers. We are especially grateful to our sponsors, BOM and Campus Housing, for helping bring this new initiative to life.

Participating departments included Hospitality Management & Tourism, Nursing, Engineering Technology, Theatre & Dance, Health & Human Performance, Accounting, Art, Computer Information Systems, and Student Media. I want to thank the faculty, staff, and students who made this program possible. Special recognition is due to Reatha Cox, who led the initiative, as well as Tiffany Carrier Killion, Vivian Pedroza, and Zoe Johnson for their outstanding work behind the scenes. Feedback from parents, students, and faculty was overwhelmingly positive. As we plan future iterations of this program, we will expand academic offerings, refine session timing, and build on this year’s momentum. The camp exemplifies our commitment to workforce development and early college and career exploration.

Athletics Update
Summer workouts will give way to preseason practice soon for our fall sports. Monday, Coach Blaine McCorkle and student-athletes Caleb Billiot and Cam George are representing Northwestern at the annual Southland Conference Football Opening Drive media day in San Antonio. Coaches and players from all SLC teams will be featured in a press conference format and streaming content at www.YouTube.com/SouthlandSports that will be co-hosted by our own veteran announcer, Patrick Netherton. The Demons will be spotlighted at 10 a.m., and the programming will be available for later viewing at that address.

Kevin Bostian is in San Antonio meeting with SLC officials and athletic directors as they consider conference policies and strategies, and assess the evolving landscape in NCAA Division I sports.

Thank you again for all you do to support our mission and our students. Your hard work across every division of the university makes a difference every day. I look forward to the exciting progress ahead as we prepare to welcome students for the fall semester.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University