As we move into the summer months, our campus continues to demonstrate the momentum and forward progress that define Northwestern State University. From welcoming incoming students and strengthening regional partnerships to celebrating national recognition for our students and academic programs, this past week reflected the many ways NSU continues to advance its mission of student success, workforce development, and community engagement.

Freshman Connection

I had the pleasure of joining our faculty and staff this past week to welcome new students and families during the first of seven Freshman Connection sessions. It was inspiring to witness the energy and excitement of our newest Demons as they began their journey at Northwestern. This program plays a critical role in easing the transition from high school to college while introducing students to the academic and student support resources that will help set them up for success. Freshman Connection includes sessions on our Natchitoches, Alexandria, Leesville/Fort Johnson, and Shreveport campuses, with opportunities for parents and younger siblings to participate in Parent Connection and Kid Konnection. Students are grouped with current NSU student connectors who guide them through the experience, from academic advising to fall course registration.

I want to express my appreciation to our current students serving as Freshman Connectors and Demon VIPs for the outstanding example they set through their leadership, enthusiasm, and service to others. Their willingness to welcome and assist our newest students reflects the spirit of the Demon Family and plays an important role in helping incoming students feel connected from the moment they arrive on campus. Special thanks as well to our faculty, staff, academic leadership, and advisors for the time and care they invest in serving our incoming students and their families during these sessions. Freshman Connection represents a true campus-wide effort, and your commitment to student success is one of the many reasons Northwestern continues to provide an exceptional student experience.

NSU Welcomes North Louisiana Economic Partnership Leaders

On Wednesday, Northwestern State University welcomed the leadership team from the North Louisiana Economic Partnership (NLEP) to campus for strategic discussions focused on workforce development, economic growth, and strengthening regional partnerships. Coordinated through the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, the meeting highlighted opportunities for collaboration between NSU and regional industry partners to support workforce alignment, innovation, and economic competitiveness across North Louisiana.

Special thanks to Justyn Dixon, President and CEO; Angie White, Chief Operating Officer; Dean Baugh, Director of Existing Industry; and Megan Delgado, Senior Project Manager, for visiting NSU and sharing insight into NLEP’s priorities and initiatives across the region. We also appreciated hearing Mr. Dixon speak earlier that morning during the Natchitoches Economic Development Alliance Quarterly Breakfast, where he emphasized the importance of regional collaboration in advancing North Louisiana’s future.

AMP Students Complete Industry Tour Series

This week, students in Northwestern State University’s Advanced Manufacturing Program (AMP) completed a series of industry tours designed to provide firsthand exposure to regional manufacturing and healthcare operations. Students visited Natchitoches Regional Medical Center, RoyOMartin in Chopin, Weyerhaeuser in Natchitoches, Boise Cascade in Lena, Crest Industries/Dis-Tran Steel, and Alliance Compressors to gain insight into workplace environments, technical operations, and career opportunities within their field.

Coordinated through the Office of Economic Development and University Advancement, the tours served as an important component of the AMP experience. The Advanced Manufacturing Program, a concentration within the Associate of Science in Engineering Technology, is an apprenticeship-style training program that combines classroom instruction with hands-on industry experience to develop core manufacturing competencies, professional skills, and technical expertise. Thank you to each industry partner for investing time in our students and helping strengthen the workforce pipeline for North Louisiana.

NSU Students Earn National Recognition in Telly Awards

Northwestern State University students in the Department of New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts earned national recognition this week by receiving a Bronze Telly Award in the 2026 Telly Awards competition for their production, “Colombian Food Truck.” What makes this accomplishment especially significant is that the award was earned in a professional category rather than a student division. The Telly Awards recognize excellence in video and television production and are judged by accomplished multimedia professionals from across the industry. Professional categories routinely include submissions from nationally recognized organizations and production companies, making this recognition a remarkable achievement for our students and faculty. Congratulations to the students and faculty within the New Media, Journalism and Communication Arts program for continuing to showcase the creativity, talent, and professionalism that define Northwestern State University.

Gallaspy College Seeking Award Nominations

Northwestern State University’s Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development is now accepting nominations for the 2026 Hall of Distinguished Educators, Outstanding Young Professionals in Education, and Friend to Education Award. The Hall of Distinguished Educators is the highest honor presented by the School of Education and recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and service throughout their careers. The Outstanding Young Professionals award honors NSU graduates age 45 and younger who have made significant contributions to education and their communities, while the Friend to Education Award recognizes individuals who have provided extraordinary support to education and to Northwestern State University. Applications are due by August 5, and individuals selected will be recognized during Homecoming festivities on October 23-24. Thank you to the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development for continuing to celebrate excellence and recognize the impact of educators and supporters who help shape future generations.

Athletics Update

Northwestern’s track and field program is well represented this week at the NCAA East First Round with 27 competitors qualified, the second-most in school history.

On the men’s side, 15 Demons rank among the top 48 in the East Region: Will Achee, Charlie Bartholomew, Eddy Vu, Antoine Evans Jr., Keontae Gaines, Desmond Duncan, Kalen Beavers, Koen Beavers, Elijah Rowe, Kason Jones, Randy Kelly, Roy Morris, Tarajh Hudson, LaDarion Dudley and Dishaun Lamb.

There are 12 from NSU on the women’s side: Kahliyah Anderson, Margaret Conteh, Rushana Dwyer, Samari Finney, Eliska Zahradnickova, Shakera Kirk, Anisha Gibbons, Teodora Samac, Juvonna Cornette, Layden Jack, Ryah Dates and Shantangelo Williams. Only LSU has more East Region qualifiers among Louisiana schools. Louisiana Tech qualified 14, while UL Lafayette is third with 13. Competition in Lexington, Kentucky, begins Wednesday and continues through Saturday, with the top 12 in each event advancing to the national championships in Eugene, Oregon, June 10-13.

Northwestern also continues to expand its club sports offerings, and one of our oldest programs recently celebrated a major milestone. Sophomore Sophia Witman finished fourth nationally in the women’s 1x event at the American Collegiate Rowing Association Championship held last weekend in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The fourth-place finish is the highest in women’s 1x competition in program history. To advance to the finals, Witman won her heat by more than 50 seconds and finished second in her semifinal race by just .03 seconds.

A biology major from Natchitoches, Witman earlier earned a silver medal at the Southern Intercollegiate Rowing Association Championship in the women’s 2x event. It marked the eighth medal for NSU at the conference championships. She was also selected to the All-South Region Team, becoming only the ninth rower in NSU history to receive that honor. As a member of the All-South team, she is automatically nominated for All-American honors, which will be announced later this month. Witman has already been recognized as a second-team Academic All-American.

Congratulations to Sophia, Coach Jason Stelly, and the entire NSU rowing team on these outstanding accomplishments.

Looking Ahead

On Tuesday evening, Dr. Kent Peacock, director of NSU’s Creole Heritage Center, will speak to the Natchitoches Genealogical and Historical Society on the Center’s extensive genealogical resources and ongoing efforts to preserve and expand access to Louisiana Creole history. The presentation begins at 7 p.m. at the Old Natchitoches Parish Courthouse and will highlight the Center’s collection of more than 5,000 historical and genealogical resources that support family history research across Louisiana and beyond.

Summer camps and youth programs are underway across our campuses, bringing hundreds of students and families to Northwestern State University throughout the coming weeks. These camps provide outstanding opportunities for young people to experience campus life, engage with our faculty and staff, and explore academic, athletic, artistic, and leadership interests while also showcasing the welcoming environment that makes NSU special. For more information, click here.

Summer academic sessions are also beginning across the university, with the 11-week session already underway as of May 29 and the two four-week sessions and eight-week session beginning June 4. These flexible summer offerings provide students with valuable opportunities to stay on track academically, accelerate progress toward graduation, and continue their educational journey throughout the summer months.

As we continue preparing for another exciting academic year, I want to thank each of you for your commitment to our students, our university, and the communities we serve. Your dedication is reflected in every achievement highlighted this week, and together we are continuing to build momentum that strengthens Northwestern State University’s future.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University