Today, we had the pleasure of welcoming more than 200 future students to the third session of our Freshman Connection program. I extend my gratitude to our faculty, staff, and current students for their commitment in providing an exceptional university experience for these incoming students and their families. I look forward to the upcoming Freshman Connection sessions at our branch campuses next week, where we will continue to cultivate a strong sense of belonging for all our new students.

• Freshman Connection CENLA: June 20, 2023
• Freshman Connection Leesville: June 21, 2023
• Freshman Connection Shreveport: June 22, 2023

During the week, we welcomed attendees to the Northwestern State Cheer and Dance Camps. The participants had the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of educational and training activities, focusing on essential areas such as individualized skills training, coaches’ education, safety, and team bonding.
The ADVANCE Program for Young Scholars runs from July 2 to July 22, offering a three-week residential curriculum for intellectually curious students in grades 7 to 11. Led by experienced NSU Instructors and Teaching Assistants, the program provides a stimulating and enriching learning experience.

Hosting Louisiana Boys and Girls State on our campus annually is a great honor. It is the leading leadership development program for young individuals in Louisiana, and it also plays a significant role in attracting prospective students to our university. I anticipate a lively campus atmosphere with numerous aspiring students residing and engaging in learning activities at NSU.

I appreciate the exceptional service and professionalism demonstrated by Jana Lucky. With an impressive 30+ year tenure at NSU, Jana has significantly influenced the development of Northwestern State University. Please join me in extending heartfelt congratulations to Jana on her well-deserved retirement.
Our university is set to receive $65.1 million in capital outlay for three facility projects, pending approval from Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards.  These projects include the planning and construction of a health performance center, renovation of Warrington Place at NSU’s Shreveport campus, and replacement of Kyser Hall, recently named for former NSU President Dr. Robert Alost. Capital outlay is state funding designated for facility and infrastructure improvement projects that is not part of the university’s operating budget.

• $44.7 million is designated for the construction of a state-of-the-art academic building to replace Kyser Hall.
• $13.4 million is designated for renovation of Warrington Place at the Nursing Education Center in Shreveport.
• $7 million is designated for planning and renovation of a new health performance center, which includes the entire athletic fieldhouse complex.

I express my gratitude to our legislative delegation, State Senator Louie Bernard, State Senator Jay Luneau, State Representative Kenny R. Cox for their support of NSU. I also want to thank State Senate President Page Cortez; State Senators Bret Allain, Barry Milligan, and Mike Reese; State Representatives Stuart Bishop, Gabe Firment, Jeremy LaCombe, Ed Larvadain III, Jack McFarland, and Vincent Pierre – along with Gina Goings and Mark Moses for their assistance.

Capital outlay projects, like the ones mentioned above, have a direct and positive impact on the regional economy, fostering growth and prosperity in the region. These projects entail substantial investments in infrastructure development, construction, and various sectors, which in turn generate employment opportunities for residents.

We are excited about these developments and the opportunities they bring for our university and the community. Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to excellence.

Dr. Marcus D. Jones
President
Northwestern State University