Messages from The President

Dr. Marcus D. Jones

A Message From The President – February 23, 2024

A few days ago, the NSU Chamber Choir was invited to attend the Southern American Choral Directors Association (ACDA) conference, marking a monumental milestone not just for our university but for the state of Louisiana as a whole.

For the first time, a Louisiana college choir outside of the flagship was invited to perform at ACDA. This invitation alone stands as a testament to the exceptional talent, dedication, and hard work of our CAPA students and faculty. The NSU Chamber Choir’s beautiful performance in Louisville, Kentucky, not only showcased their abilities but represented NSU and Louisiana’s best on the national stage.

I would like to extend my congratulations to Dr. Nicholaus Cummins, Director of Choral Studies, and Adam Philley, Associate Director of Choral Activities, along with members of the NSU Chamber Choir. Your commitment to excellence and your passion for music have brought this distinguished honor to our university and to CAPA. You have indeed set a high bar and exemplified the spirit of excellence that defines NSU.

NSU’s College of Business and Technology recently hosted a panel discussion featuring banking professionals on February 20th. This event aimed to explore career options within the banking sector, promoting student engagement with experts and fostering connections for potential job opportunities.

Louisiana Bankers Association CEO, Ginger Laurent, chaired the discussion. Panelists included Carrie Hough from BOM Bank, Luke Brandon of Merchants and Farmers Bank and Trust, Kim Nevils of Bank of Winnfield, George Clancy from the Louisiana Office of Financial Institutions, Shanna Banker of City Bank and Trust, and Billy Gray of Exchange Bank. They shared insights into their career trajectories, alongside advice on networking, securing internships, and career advancement in banking.

Representatives from Concordia Bank, First Federal Bank of Louisiana, United Community Bank, and b1 Bank were on hand to interact with students, who had the opportunity to present their resumes and enter a drawing for a $1,000 scholarship offered by the Louisiana Bankers Association.

Students, please plan to attend the upcoming Spring Career Fair next week. Networking with diverse employers can significantly enhance your chances of securing an internship or job post-graduation.

The career fair is an opportunity for both undergraduate and graduate students to engage with potential employers from various industries. This event, hosted by NSU’s Office of Counseling and Career Services, will take place on Tuesday, February 27, from 10:00am to 2:00pm in the Friedman Student Union Ballroom.

Professional attire is mandatory for attendance. For further details, including how to prepare and what to expect, visit Handshake at www.nsu.la/GFstudent.

The University of Louisiana System is hosting the “For Our Future Conference 2024: Leading Women” from February 25-27, 2024, in New Orleans, LA. This conference holds significant importance as it provides a platform for those in higher education to engage in meaningful discussions – gaining inspiration to further their professional endeavors.

By focusing on key tracks such as Student Health and Wellness, Scholarship and Research, Academic Freedom, Core Competencies, Diversity and Inclusion, Modernization and Technology, as well as Public-Private Partnerships and Enrollment Management, the conference addresses fundamental aspects of advancing education and fostering growth in the field.

NSU STEM Day will take place next Friday, March 1st. The School of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) will welcome nearly 100 high school students from the surrounding region in the Student Union Ballroom.

STEM Day will provide insights into the promising careers within STEM fields for potential students. Students will have the opportunity to engage with accomplished faculty and like-minded peers, gaining perspectives into our diverse range of degree programs at NSU.

On March 2, NSU will open its doors to over 1,200 visitors for N-Side View Day. This event offers an exclusive peek into college life, where parents and students will explore student organizations, meet academic departments, apply for admission, and receive valuable advice from our faculty and current students.

N-Side View Day is NSU’s top recruitment event, showcasing the university’s potential to prospective students and their families. I look forward to seeing you all next weekend for a full slate of events.

In closing, NSU Women’s Soccer will host a round robin event tomorrow against Jackson State University and Louisiana State University. These are sure to be exciting match ups and we look forward to seeing you at the Lady Demon Soccer Complex. For more details on the event and to purchase tickets, click here.

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University