As we move deeper into the spring semester, the pace across our campuses continues to be strong and encouraging. From navigating winter weather to advancing important conversations on behalf of Northwestern at the national level, this past week reflected the dedication and adaptability that define our university community. Below are a few highlights.

Winter Storm Fern

Last week, Winter Storm Fern brought significant winter weather across Louisiana, prompting campus closures on Monday and Tuesday. While these conditions presented challenges, our faculty and staff once again rose to the occasion to ensure continuity of instruction, student support, and essential operations. I am grateful for the flexibility, professionalism, and teamwork demonstrated by our faculty and staff across the university, particularly by those who supported on-campus needs and critical services during the closure. Your commitment to our students and to one another does not go unnoticed.

 Washington, D.C. Trip

Last week, Martha and I traveled to Washington, D.C., along with Chief of Staff, Drake Owens, and NSU’s Student Government Association President, Madysen Morgan, to participate in the Committee of 100 Washington Briefing and Washington Mardi Gras events. These annual gatherings provide valuable opportunities to engage with state and federal leaders, business advocates, and fellow Louisianians on issues impacting our state and its institutions. During our visit, we met with members of Louisiana’s congressional delegation, including U.S. Senators John Kennedy and Bill Cassidy and U.S. Representative Cleo Fields.

These meetings allowed us to share updates on Northwestern’s progress and discuss federal priorities related to academic innovation, workforce development, and campus infrastructure. Continued engagement with congressional offices over the past several years has resulted in more than $7 million in federal support for high-impact initiatives, underscoring Northwestern’s critical role in advancing economic growth and workforce readiness across Louisiana.

A point of clarity about this trip to Washington, DC.  It was not simply Mardi Gras playtime. We spent Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday romancing the legislative stone at the Capitol and at the conference engaging in dialogue with key legislators and personnel on the state and federal level who are in a position to help NSU financially. Progress was noted, and help is on the way.

 Spring Enrollment

I am pleased to share that spring enrollment is up year over year at Northwestern State University. This is pleasing to the soul and proves we are moving the needle upward at NSU. Our undergraduate headcount stands at 6,913 students, with an additional 849 graduate and professional students, bringing total spring enrollment to 7,762. This increase reflects our continued emphasis on student retention and persistence. I extend my sincere appreciation to our faculty and staff across Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Enrollment Management, and advising units whose collective efforts support student success and make this progress possible. A special note of appreciation to our Recruiting and Marketing staff for their hard work in upping recruiting and improving retention.

Thurgood Marshall Documentary and Panel

On Tuesday, February 10, at 5:30 p.m., Northwestern State University will host a free public screening of Becoming Thurgood: America’s Social Architect in the NSU Student Union Ballroom, followed by a panel discussion. Panelists include Judges Monique Freeman Rauls and David Williams of the Louisiana Ninth Judicial District Court; Michael McClanahan, President of the Louisiana NAACP State Conference; Dr. Carmella Parker, NSU faculty member and former Assistant Attorney General of Louisiana; and Dr. Rebecca Riall, NSU faculty member and practicing attorney. Co-sponsored by the NSU NAACP chapter, Black Studies, Pre-Law and Paralegal Studies, and the Gail Metoyer Jones Center, the event is part of NSU’s Black History Month programming. I encourage faculty, staff, and students to attend this meaningful and timely discussion.

Leadership NSU

The Student Government Association marked a significant milestone on January 30, hosting its 10th Annual Leadership NSU Workshop. More than 300 student leaders participated in a full day of engaging and interactive sessions. The program featured a wide range of topics, including building meaningful relationships and professional networks, authenticity in leadership, mental wellness, career development, and strategies for successful student organizations. Now in its tenth year, Leadership NSU remains a cornerstone event for student leadership development across campus, bringing together both emerging and established leaders for a day focused on growth, connection, and empowerment.

Athletics Update

 The Southland Conference basketball season is entering its stretch run toward March Madness, and both Northwestern teams are competing to maintain and improve their standings as they look ahead to the conference tournaments next month in Lake Charles. Coach Rick Cabrera’s men pushed league-leading Stephen F. Austin to the limit in Nacogdoches on Tuesday, falling 71–69, before dropping a game Saturday at UNO. The Demons return home Monday night at 6:30 p.m. to face Nicholls and will host East Texas A&M on Wednesday evening in a rescheduled contest postponed due to the winter storm.

Coach Anna Nimz’s women’s team posted convincing wins over Nicholls on Thursday night and at UNO, with the latter contest marking the first of three consecutive road games for the Lady Demons.

Lady Demon tennis opened its home season Thursday with a 5–2 victory over Jackson State before suffering a Sunday morning loss at North Texas. Our track and field teams competed Saturday in Pittsburg, Kansas, at Pittsburg State, recording a dozen personal best performances as they turn their focus toward the Feb. 25–26 Southland Conference Indoor Championships.

The softball season, the second under the leadership of Coach Jenny Fuller, opens next Friday at her alma mater in the three-day Getterman Classic hosted by Baylor. Former NSU football player Glenn Moore, Baylor’s longtime and highly successful head coach, continues to be a strong supporter of our softball program.

Looking Ahead

In the weeks ahead, I encourage all faculty and staff to participate in N-Side View Day on February 28 and to support upcoming recruiting receptions across the state. Recruiting is truly a team effort, and your involvement plays a critical role in showcasing the exceptional academic, cultural, and co-curricular opportunities available at Northwestern State University. For more information on N-Side View Day, click here.

Our Demons on the Road events continue to create valuable connections between alumni, prospective students, and families. Several events were rescheduled last week due to winter weather, and additional stops are planned in the coming weeks. A full listing of upcoming events is available here.

Thank you for your continued dedication to our students and to the mission of Northwestern State University. Together, we are moving the university forward and strengthening our impact across the region and state.

Fork ‘Em Demons,

President James T. “Jimmy” Genovese
Northwestern State University