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After more than 140 years of growing and adapting to meet changing needs in Louisiana and beyond, Northwestern State University is continuing its tradition of academic excellence with innovative initiatives that educate and prepare students for success in life, in their careers and as citizens.
AT A GLANCE
Top executives: James T. Genovese, President
Phone: 318.357.6011
Address: 175 Sam Sibley Dr. Natchitoches, Louisiana 71497
Website: nsula.edu
Cutting-edge programs that train students in emerging areas such as artificial intelligence and in-demand fields like nursing are at the heart of the university, which long ago established itself as a pioneer in education in Louisiana.
Located in Natchitoches in northwest Louisiana, the university sits on the oldest continuously occupied site for higher education in the state. It traces its roots back to 1884, when the state Legislature passed a bill establishing the Louisiana State Normal School, which was dedicated to training teachers.
The school initially enrolled 60 students, setting up shop on the 100-acre site of the former Academy of the Sacred Heart, which closed in 1875. The property previously was owned by Natchitoches founder Louis Juchereau de St. Denis and, later, the Bullard family. The Bullard mansion, completed in 1832 on Chaplin’s Lake, was eventually demolished, and only its columns were left behind. The three remaining columns became—and still are—a symbol of the university.
The campus grew in the early 20th century, and course offerings expanded beyond those focused on teaching. The Normal School began granting bachelor’s degrees in 1918. In the next few years, the school would take on a new name—Louisiana State Normal College—and select The Demon as its mascot. The institution’s name would change twice more, becoming Northwestern State College of Louisiana in 1944 and, finally, Northwestern State University of Louisiana in 1970.
NSU offers a variety of degree programs, extracurricular opportunities and outreach efforts to serve a diverse student population—and the people of Louisiana.
A TOP NURSING SCHOOL
Take the university’s nursing school, for instance, which is a top producer of nurses in Louisiana. Founded in 1949 as Louisiana’s first baccalaureate program in the field, today’s College of Nursing and School of Allied Heath offers associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
Flexible programs allowing working LPNs and RNs to get degrees and advance their careers also are available.
NSU’s nursing programs are among the best in the United States. Its nurse practitioner program is ranked seventh best by GuideToOnlineSchools.com. And the master’s level nurse practitioner program was recognized as No. 3 in the nation by OnlineMasters.com.
“From our pioneering nursing school to cutting-edge AI initiatives, we are shaping the future by equipping students with the skills and knowledge to lead. Just like our iconic three columns, NSU stands strong rooted in history, driven by progress, and committed to excellence”
James T. Genovese, President
NSU has awarded more than 12,000 nursing degrees over the years, helping fill vital roles in the healthcare sector. Graduates enter the workforce well prepared for their careers. In the Bachelor of Science in Nursing program, graduates have a 99% passage rate on their first attempt at the NCLEX-RN, the exam that is required to become a licensed registered nurse.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
Another area where NSU has established itself as a leader is artificial intelligence. The university has launched initiatives to pre[1]pare students—and the community—for the evolving technological landscape.
This spring, NSU rolled out a pioneering AI programming course, “IBM Power Systems Programming with Emphasis on AI in Business Applications,” through a partnership with IBM. With a focus on real-world applications, the class aims to equip students and professionals with advanced AI and programming skills.
NSU’s School of STEM is collaborating with renowned institutions around the globe to advance AI research and application. The university also has introduced the Empowering AI Literacy Micro credential, a free, self-paced program that teaches about ethical AI use, data privacy and AI’s societal impact. And business leaders can learn about AI’s impact on industries and the new possibilities it is creating at regular lunch-and-learn sessions on campus.
