Alumni Columns (Volume Summer 2018)

2018·26.5 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

SUMMER 2018
Northwestern State University Magazine
Messages Alumni Columns
Official Publication of
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Organized in 1884
A member of CASE
Dear Alumni, Volume XXVIII Number 2 Summer 2018
The Alumni Columns (USPS 015480) is published
by Northwestern State University,
By the middle of this summer, we will have com- Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497-0002
Periodicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, La.,
pleted seven – yes seven! – Freshman Connection
and at additional mailing offices.
sessions on our Natchitoches, Leesville, Shreveport POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the
Alumni Columns, Northwestern State University,
and Alexandria campuses. Please join me in offering Natchitoches, La. 71497-0002.
a hearty thanks to all of the hard-working faculty, Alumni Office Phone: [phone] and 888-799-6486
FAX: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected]
staff and student ambassadors who work tirelessly to
NSU ALUMNI OFFICERS
make our incoming freshmen feel welcome, pre-
President ...................................................Caron Chester Coleman
Dr. Chris Maggio
pared and excited about joining the NSU family. 1st Vice President ..................Dr. P. Cade Brumley, Stonewall, 2002
1985, 1991 ............................................................................. Natchitoches, 2000
President The countdown to the Fall 2018 semester is on and 2nd Vice President ....Patricia Hrapmann, New Orleans, 1973, 1978
Northwestern State Secretary .....................................Mike Wilburn, Shreveport, 1975
our staff is busy preparing for a semester packed
University Treasurer ..................................W. Lane Luckie, Tyler, Texas, 2008
with academic, service and recreational opportuni-
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
ties. Students will return to refurbished campus NSU President ................................ Dr. Chris Maggio, 1985, 1991
Vice President for External Affairs ....................Jerry Pierce, 1961
bookstores at 912 University Parkway and in the Stu-
Assistant Vice President of External Affairs
dent Union and the Spirit of Northwestern will take for University Advancement ................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Associate Director of
the field outfitted in new uniforms. You are an essen- Alumni Affairs ....................................Vanner Erikson, 2011, 2014
tial part of making these achievements possible.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As the cycle of learning continues here at NSU, Jerry Brungart .........................................Natchitoches, 1969, 1971
Tommy Chester .................................................Natchitoches, 1969
it reminds me of our purpose: transforming lives, Monty Chicola ................................................Natchitoches, 1979, 1980
Shade Dufrene ................................................Baton Rouge, 1999, 2003
fostering personal and intellectual growth and
Leonard Endris ...........................................Shreveport, 1974, 1975
providing a lifetime of memories. We celebrate our Allen Evans ............................................................Shreveport, 1989
John Evans ..........................................................Natchitoches, 1992
recent graduates as they leave here to begin their Dr. Hayward Hargrove.......................Black Mountain, N.C., 1964
Trey Hill ....................................................................Carencro, 1985
careers while we prepare to welcome in a new class
Carlos Jones..............................................Round Rock, Texas, 1993
of Demons. Gail Jones ..........................................................Natchez, 1981, 1998
Matt Koury ................................................................Leesville, 1995
Thank you for your loyalty and your continued sup- Bryant Lewis .........................................................Haynesville, 1958
Dr. Lisa Landry Mathews......................................Shreveport, 1992
port of Northwestern State University.
Kim Martin.........................................................Lake Charles, 1988
Leah Sherman Middlebrook .............................Dallas, 1986, 2016
Virginia Monceret ................................................New Roads, 2001
Kip Patrick ...................................................Washington, DC, 1995
Cliff Poimboeuf .....................................................Shreveport, 1984
Michael Prudhomme................................................ Natchez, 1984
My fellow alumni: Joseph W. Schelette ...............................................Shreveport, 1969
Nikki Ceaser Small ............................................Dallas, Texas, 2007
Mark Spikes ..............................................League City, Texas, 1991
With another academic year soon to begin, we David Stamey .....................................................Natchitoches, 1982
Joseph B. Stamey ................................................Natchitoches, 1983
at the NSU Foundation thank you for helping us Glenn Talbert ........................................................Shreveport, 1964
Taylor Townsend................................................Natchitoches, 1986
increase the number of students that we assist with Carlos Treadway .............................................Northville, MI, 1992
Marti Vienne ......................................................Natchitoches, 1982
scholarships. Our second annual Flavor of Louisiana
Jim Villard .............................................................Alexandria, 1983
event, a highlight of this year’s fund raising efforts, Dr. Leonard Williams ........................................New Orleans, 1993
was another resounding success and we couldn’t do STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
Jacob Ellis ....................................................Athens, SGA President
Drake Owens it without you. Your support has a direct impact on
2004, 2005 enrollment, retention and faculty development. Publisher .................................................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Assistant Vice Editor ..........................................Leah Pilcher Jackson, 1994, 2011
Contributors ....................................................................David West
President of External
Doug Ireland, 1986
Affairs for University Thank you also to those of you who attended our Matthew Vines, 2016
Advancement recruiting receptions, Alumni After Hours and ath- Photography ..............................................Chris Reich, 2007, 2009
Gary Hardamon
letic events to show your support for NSU. Your pres- Design/Layout ..................................Beth McPherson Mann, 1975
ence and your help in sharing what Northwestern
State means to you means a great deal to our current Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialists,
and prospective students and their parents. and doctorate degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane,
Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation
of Northwestern State University.
Throughout this summer, our staff has been pre-
Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender,
paring for a busy fall schedule of events. Follow us religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy
or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and
on social media to keep up with everything happen- provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The follow-
ing individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination
ing. If you haven’t visited your alma mater lately, policies (i.e., Title IX): Employees/Potential Employees – Veronica M. Biscoe, EEO Officer
(318-357-6359); Students – Frances Conine, Dean of Students (318-357-5286). For Ameri-
now is a great time to plan a visit. I hope to see you cans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support Director, Catherine
Faucheaux, at 318-357-4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery
on campus soon.
Disclosure of Campus Security Policy & Campus Crime Statistics Act. Information about
NSU’s campus security and crime statistics can be found at http://universitypolice.nsula.
edu/annual-security-report/. Full disclosure statement: http://universityplanning.nsula.
edu/notice-of-non-discrimination.
BY THE NUMBERS
11
400+
# of Southland
Conference gold
medals won by
# of students, faculty and alumni
De’Shalyn Jones
representing NSU at the University of
during her college
Louisiana System Day at the Capitol
career (She is also
a Spring 2018
honor graduate.)
The Easley triplets of Minden,
Roxy, Layla and Jess, will be
among the more than 1,200
incoming freshmen expected
906 at NSU this fall. According to
their dad Kerry (1995), “We are
a strong NSU family with both
# of Spring Grads my parents Jess (1952, 1962)
and Annie Easley (1951, 1964)
receiving their bachelor’s and
Flavor of Louisiana master’s degrees, my sister Dr.
922 Linda Easley Tidwell (1975,
Guest Satisfaction: 100 % 1989) receiving her bachelor’s
Funds Raised: $50,000 and master’s and I receiving
# Degrees Award Volunteers who pitched in: 65+ a B.S. in nursing. Linda also
taught at NSU.”
This public document was published at a total cost of $20,244. 44,600 copies of this public document were published in this
first printing at a cost of $20,244. The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $20,244. This document
was published by Northwestern State University Office of University Advancement and printed by Creasey Printing Services,
1905 Morning Sun, Springfield, IL 62711 to foster and promote the mutually beneficial relationship between Northwestern
State University and its alumni, supporters and community partners. This material was printed in accordance with standards
for printing by state agencies established pursuant to R.S. 43.31. Printing of this material was purchased in accordance with
the provisions of Title 43 of the Louisiana Revised Statues.
1 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
Charles Freeman: Pioneer in prosthetics, orthotics
Submitted by Frances Jackson Free- and legs and placed them in the primi- orthodontics extended to developing
man (1966) tive wheelchairs that had served the associate degree programs in orthotics
handicapped for decades. Eight hours and prosthetics at community colleges
As the 2018 Paralympic Games later, he challenged them to build around the country. UCLA and NYU,
unfolded in PyeongChang, Northwest- something better. Today, millions of where Freeman was adjunct faculty,
ern State graduate Charles C. Freeman people enjoy the multitude of special- soon developed bachelor degree pro-
celebrated his 80th birthday March 6 ized mobility products that developed grams for professionals in prosthetists
secure in the knowledge that his life from Freeman’s challenge. and orthotists.
has had a positive impact. Watching Bioengineering and rehabilitation Born March 6, 1938, on the Texas-
the ampu- engineering were not the only Louisiana border, he is now retired
tees swarm young professions that Freeman and lives with his wife of 58 years, the
down the influenced. When veterans expressed former Frances Jackson, on the same
ski slopes at dissatisfaction with their crude family farm where he was born in a log
breathtak- artificial ears, noses and eyes, Freeman cabin on the Shelby County/Panola
ing speeds, contacted the art department at New County line that borders the Sabine
he remem- York University and found artists River. He was the fifth of six sons born
bered a win- interested in helping disfigured to parents who didn’t finish high
ter day in veterans by creating personalized school. He attended Joaquin School
1973 when prostheses. first-12th grade graduating in 1956
he took two and attended Panola Junior College
dozen brave on a baseball scholarship and drove
U.S. ampu- a school bus transporting students
tee veter- from Logansport and Joaquin to PJC
ans to the from Carthage. After earning his AA,
slopes of Loveland, Colorado, to test he transferred to Northwestern State.
the newly developed VA skiing legs. He chose NSU because his future wife
Those and dozens of other technologi- was already enrolled there. At NSU,
cal innovations that changed the lives he worked as a lifeguard, with the
of the handicapped were the product intramural athletic program and with
of team efforts that Freeman led as campus security. Charles and Frances
research and education officer for the married in 1959 and lived in the Vet Vil-
Veteran’s Administration Center for lage at NSU. He earned his bachelor’s
Prosthetics and Orthotics. degree in May 1960 and two weeks
When Freeman began work with the later began work on his master’s. He
VA in 1961, metal hooks and wooden
legs were standard and quadriplegics
Build
lived relatively short, pain-ridden
lives, confined to beds. In those
days, wheelchairs were exactly that:
chairs with wheels, poorly suited to
something
the needs of the handicapped. To be
part of the rehabilitation revolu-
tion, Freeman left his position
in rehabilitation medicine at better
the Shreveport VAMC to move
to New York City where, dur-
ing the first aerospace recession of
the 1970s, he brought out-of-work
aerospace engineers to the Veteran’s also coached basketball at St. Mary’s
Administration Paraplegic Center at High School.
Castle Point, New York, and introduced That early effort led to today’s After receiving his MS degree in ad-
them to paraplegic and quadriplegic profession of medical art prosthetics. ministration, Freeman was employed
veterans. He tied the engineers’ arms Freeman’s impact on prosthetics and by the Dallas VAMC as a corrective
2 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
therapist. On the day JFK was shot, General Hospital was activated in sup-
Freeman worked his last shift at the port of Operation Desert Storm. As ex-
Dallas VAMC. The following week, ecution officer for the 100-bed general
he transferred to the Shreveport hospital, Freeman left the Alexandria
VAMC, where he worked until 1970. VAMC to oversee one of the first major
In Shreveport, Freeman first became call-ups of a large reserve medical unit.
chief of Corrective Therapy, chief of He took the 972-man unit to Europe
Recreation Therapy, coordinator of Re- where he remained until the last
habilitation Medicine, and finally chief troops were recalled.
of Prosthetics, Orthotics and Sensory He began his military career in 1963
Aids. In 1970 he accepted the posi- as a “shave-tail,” Second Lt. (Viet Nam
tion of Research and Education Officer era), and concluded it in 1993 (post
for the VA Prosthetics Center in New Desert Storm) as a “Bird,” Colonel.
York City, where he worked until 1976, While he always considered Joaquin,
before entering the VA Hospital Direc- Texas, home, he has lived in six states, Freeman as an NSU student
tor training program. Subsequently, Puerto Rico, and Germany, residing in
he worked at the Sheridan, Wyoming, such diverse cities as Dallas, Shreve-
VAMC, the Westside VAMC in Chicago, port, New York City, Chicago, Sheridan,
the Dallas VAMC, the San Juan, Puerto Wyoming; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Al-
Rico VAMC, the Alexandria VAMC, the exandria, Bonham, Texas; Frisco, Texas,
Bonham, Texas, VAMC and the South- and Frankfort, Germany.
eastern Regional Network. He retired In 1996, Freeman received his call to
from the VA in 1999. enter the ministry.  In 1997, he became
When Freeman entered the U.S. a local pastor in the United Method-
Army Reserve Medical Corp in 1963, ist Church, serving first in the Texas
corpmen’s primary responsibility was conference and then in the Louisiana
loading wounded men onto trucks Conference at Bethel United Method-
and transports. Over Freeman’s ist Church in Logansport.  This was one
military career, the entire organiza- of the most rewarding and cherished
tion for delivery of military care was periods of his life.
revised and he contributed to many of The Freemans have two daughters
these changes. Emergency medicine and four grandchildren.
as a medical specialty arose first in the Freeman was honored with an 80th
military context and corpsmen were birthday celebration at First United
the first trained EMTs. Medical evacu- Methodist Church of Joaquin with
ation helicopters with trained para- family and friends. His life has come Charles C. Freeman, 1970
medics made MASH units obsolete full circle, and he is spending his retire- Shreveport VAMC, Chief of
and provided medical care that greatly ment years on the family farm; but in Prosthetics and Orthotics
increased survival rates, which also led the intervening three-quarters of a
to a dramatic increase in the number century, he has traveled the world, and
of severely handicapped veterans. participated in amazing and incredible
The high point of Freeman’s military experiences.
career occurred in 1990 when the 94th
3 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
Spotlights
The U.S. Senate confirmed the nomination of Army
Reserve Col. Susie S. Kuilan in February with her promo-
tion effective May 1. She will become the deputy com-
manding general of operations for the 200th Military Police
Command, Fort Meade, Maryland. Gen. Kuilan is serving
as assistant division commander with 102D Training Divi-
sion (Maneuver Support), Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. She
has served in the military for 30 years.A native of Camden,
Arkansas, Kuilan is a 1984 graduate of Fairview High School.
She earned a master’s degree in English from Northwestern
State in 2000, a master’s degree in strategic studies from the
Army War College in 2011 and a doctorate in English from
Louisiana State University in 2010.
Lauren Hughes
The new general has been on a dual track of academic and
U.S. Air Force Photo by Dennis Rogers
military postings. She served as an instructor at the Univer-
1st Lt. Lauren Hughes (2009) is serving as chaplain with sity of Arkansas from 2011-2014, and at Arkansas Tech Uni-
the 50th Space Wing at Scriever Air Force Base in Colorado. A versity from 2015 to the present. She is a published scholar
native of Savannah, Georgia, she moved around the country in Southern and African-American literature.
and oversees with her father, a member of the U.S. Army, Kuilan was a brigade commander for the 2nd Military Po-
eventually settling in Houston. She attended NSU, earning lice Brigade, 102nd Division (MS), 80th Training Command of
a degree in business administration with a concentration the Army Reserve from 2012-2014. She was a Military Fellow
in finance before following a desire to serve her country by for the Chief of Staff of the Army Strategic Studies Group,
joining the Army National Guard. U.S. Army, from June 2014-June 2015, before her posting to
As a new follower of her faith, Hughes felt a calling to do Missouri.
finance ministry, and the Chaplain at Basic Combat Train- Kuilan is also the dean of Strategic Security and Protec-
ing in Fort Jackson, South Carolina, only strengthened her tion Management for Henley-Putnam University, an online
passion for ministry. She completed the Chaplain Candidate university.
Program in Georgia, then attended Southwestern Baptist As assistant division commander with the 102D Training
Theological Seminary in Fort Worth. Division at Fort Leonard Wood, Kuilan had responsibilities for
She graduated in 2015, and immediately entered the the nationwide training of Army engineers, military police,
Baylor University Medical Center Clinical Pastoral Education and chemical, military intelligence, Signal Corps, and civil
program, where she studied for two years. affairs and psychological operations soldiers.
Unfortunately, things took an abrupt turn for Hughes Kuilan served in many positions in the 102nd Division. She
when Hurricane Harvey hit Texas. The National Guard was was deployed to Camp Bucca, Iraq, as a support officer for
activated, and Hughes received orders to travel to Lufkin. the Logistics Civilian Augmentation Program Support Unit.
Although tragic, the three weeks she spent there con-
firmed her longing to serve military members full time.
“It was something I always knew in the back of my mind
but the passion was reignited,” Hughes added. I wanted to Stephen F. Austin University recognized Todd Barrios
provide service to people full time.” (1993), clinical instructor in SFA’s School of Human Sciences’
In November 2016, Hughes contacted an Air Force hospitality administration program, with the Faculty Senate
recruiter, and in December 2017 was selected for active duty. Teaching Excellence Award, which honors non-tenure track
Hughes moved back to Colorado Springs in March. faculty members.
Hughes hopes to initiate new chaplain-hosted events and A certified executive chef through the American Culinary
activities, like a “Chaplain’s Café,” where Airmen and spouses Federation, Barrios is ServSafe certified in food safety and
can come and participate in spoken word poetry, one of sanitation and as an instructor. He is a registered ServSafe
Hughes’ passions. examination proctor through the National Restaurant As-
Hughes hopes to guide Airmen and their families through sociation. Additional focus areas are culinary arts and food
life and take the journey alongside them during her time at service management.
Schriever. He earned a Bachelor of Science in home economics with
“We’re all here for a reason in life. My hope is to help a concentration in hospitality and institutional services and
people know what that purpose is and who they are inside a Master of Arts in adult education from NSU.
and outside of the uniform. I want to be a part of that jour- Barrios is originally from New Orleans and has extensive
ney,” she said. restaurant management and culinary experience.
4 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
Courtney Sharkey has been Company (NYC), Black Theatre Network (New York), The Little
named the STEAM Center Admin- Black Box Theatre Company (New Jersey), Northwestern
istrator for the Allen, Texas ISD. State University and American Family Theatre (Philadel-
Sharkey has served as the North phia.) He conceived the highly acclaimed musicals “Shout!”
Forney High School principal and “Sweet Georgia Brown,” which both played to sold out
since 2014. Prior to her tenure as audiences. As artistic director for New Venture, Williams’
principal, she served as district directing credits include over 35 productions such as August
STEM and secondary curriculum Wilson’s “Fences,” the regional premiere of “The
supervisor for seven years and Williams is a graduate of Northwestern State Univer-
executive director of Rapides sity (Bachelor of Arts in theatre), Ellis College of New York
Exploratory Education Center, a (Masters in Business) and the International Association of
Courtney Sharkey
children’s museum for science, Assembly Management Performing Arts School (Graduate
math and the arts, in Rapides Parish for four years. Certificate.) He has earned many distinctions including a
She earned her bachelor’s degree in English literature and State of Louisiana Commendation for his contributions to
master’s degree in educational leadership from Northwest- the performing arts in the African American community,
ern State University. She is currently pursuing her doctorate iHope Award for his dedication to the arts, MLK Leader-
of educational administration at Texas A&M Commerce. ship Award for leadership in the arts community, The Baton
Rouge Links Louisiana Role Model Award for contributions
to the performing arts community, and was nominated for
the Fichandler Award under the Stage Directors and Chore-
Cenergistic, an energy conservation technology company, ographers Foundation. Under his leadership, New Venture
today announced the appointment of Samantha Foley has also earned distinction for productions of artistic excel-
(2005) as vice president of marketing. Foley will be based lence and highly praised theatrical diversity.
in Dallas and responsible for leading marketing strategy,
branding, communications, sales enablement and lead
generation efforts.
Before joining Cenergistic, Foley served as chief market- Clay Corley was named
ing officer at Entouch, a smart building solutions provider, DeSoto Parish Superintendent
responsible for the execution of all marketing activities. of Schools and began serving in
Prior to Entouch, Foley served as vice president of marketing the role May 9.
and held numerous other marketing roles at Allegro Devel- Corley has broad educational
opment, a global provider of commodity trading and risk experience, including 6 years as
management software. a District Director and Interim
Foley holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism with concen- Superintendent in Sabine Par-
tration in public relations from Northwestern State and an ish Schools. Corley is a native
Executive MBA from Texas Woman’s University. of Florien, Louisiana and is
a graduate of Northwestern
State, where he received a B.S.
Clay Corley in Health and Physical Educa-
Greg Williams Jr. (2006), tion and a Masters in Educa-
artistic director for the New tional Leadership.
Venture Theatre in Baton Rouge, Corley began his career in education in the Vernon Parish
is the recipient of the 2018 School system in 1995. He moved on to Many High School
Man-Up Theatre of Arts Award in Sabine Parish as a teacher and coach for six years, before
from Patterson Enterprises. returning to his home at Florien High School, where he
Before beginning his role at New worked as a teacher, coach and Assistant Principal before
Venture 11 years ago, he served moving to the district office, first as a Supervisor, next as
as a co-founder of the King Little Director of Student Services, and finally as Interim Superin-
Theatre and also the Creative tendent through 2011.
Greg Williams
Production Company.
Williams’ professional theatre background includes work-
ing with Don Holder (Tony Award Winning Lighting Design-
er for Disney’s “The Lion King”), The Negro Ensemble Theatre
5 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
Northwestern State University inducted six individuals into the University’s alumni hall
of distinction, the Long Purple Line, during a luncheon and induction program March 23.
Membership in the Long Purple Line is the highest honor the university bestows on alumni. From
left are Darryl Willis, Dr. Philip Cole, Dr. Randall Keator representing his father the late Col. Randal
D. Keator Sr., Linda Day, Justice James Genovese and Monty Chicola.
Sigma Sigma Sigma marks 90th Anniversary
The Alpha Zeta Chapter of Sigma Sigma Sigma celebrated its 90th anniversary on Northwestern’s campus April 13-15. The
weekend of festivities began at the Tri Sigma house Friday evening for a welcome reception hosted by the collegiate women.
Composites and scrapbooks filled the house as women from the 60s to today took a walk down memory lane. Saturday
morning at the Tri Sigma house, a special Omega Chapter Ceremony was held to honor and celebrate those Sigmas who
have passed away. Then women enjoyed a guided tour around Northwestern’s beautiful campus. Much has changed since
some of these women were in school at NSU. Saturday afternoon and into the evening, Sigmas enjoyed the 23rd annual Jazz
& R&B Festival on the newly renovated downtown riverbank. Sunday morning, Tri Sigma women of all ages came together
to celebrate their Founder’s Day, with a special program that touched on the 120 years of the national organization, the 90
years on NSU’s campus, and the amazing accomplishments of the collegian women as well as the alumnae chapter. Sunday
afternoon was spent enjoying crawfish and jambalaya at the Collins Alumni Pavilion. Women traveled from all over the
country to celebrate this sisterhood, and are looking forward to the next event. Tri Sigmas can follow the Alpha Zeta Facebook
page to stay in touch: Sigma Sigma Sigma – Alpha Zeta Chapter Alumnae.
6 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
Dr. Vickie Parrish inducted into CAPA Hall of Fame
After devoting her life and career to the arts as a profes-
sor of theatre for more than 40 years, NSU’s Mrs. H.D. Dear
Sr. and Alice E. Dear School of Creative and Performing Arts
inducted Professor of Theatre Dr. Vicki Parrish into the CAPA
Hall of Fame during a program and reception April 21.
“CAPA is honored to induct another one of our own
faculty into the Hall of Fame,” said Dr. Greg Handel, dean of
the College of Arts and Sciences and director of the School.
“Affectionately known as Dr. P., Vicki has influenced the lives
of hundreds of students in the Creative and Performing Arts,
been an inspiration as a professor and director, been a con-
fidant for faculty and students, been an outstanding advisor
and has maintained a tireless commitment to the Creative
and Performing Arts and their advancement at NSU and
throughout the community. It is only fitting that we honor
her with this award.” 
Parrish joined Northwestern State’s faculty in 1977 and has
worked as an educator, director and choreographer. She has
Dr. Vicki Parrish is pictured with the cast and crew of “A Streetcar
Named Desire,” which she directed this spring. Parrish has been on
“To have an opportunity to work with faculty at NSU since 1977.
Parrish earned a bachelor’s at West Georgia College and
inspiring colleagues and Northwestern
her master’s and doctorate at Louisiana State University. Af-
students is a gift.” ter four decades in the classroom, Parrish continues to learn
from her students.
“I learn something new every day,” she said. “Our students
also been active in the community, serving as president of amaze me. They have such a broad vision of a subject and
the Association for the Preservation of Historic Natchitoches. can come up with so many varied interpretations of a play
“I do a job that I love,” said Parrish. “To have an opportunity written 500 years ago.”
to work with inspiring colleagues and Northwestern stu- Parrish is the ninth inductee into the CAPA Hall of Fame.
dents is a gift. All of the people in our department work so Following the reception in her honor, guests were invited
hard. I am stunned and surprised to receive this honor.” to attend NSU’s production of the musical “Into the Woods.”
Nominations open for 2018 Hall of Distinguished Educators
Northwestern State University’s Gal- who has made contributions in Pre-K a brunch and induction ceremony at
laspy College of Education and Human through higher education or to the the Teacher Education Center during
Development Alumni Advisory Board profession of education through Homecoming festivities Oct. 27.
is seeking nominations for the Hall of teaching, research or community ser- The deadline to submit nominations
Distinguished Educators for 2018. vice. Nominees must be 40 years old is Friday, July 27.
Nominees must have earned an un- or younger, have at least 10 years of Anyone who would like to nominate
dergraduate, graduate or doctoral de- meritorious service to education and an outstanding College of Education
gree from an NSU teacher preparation gained prominence in some areas of alumnus who has had a distinguished
program, have at least 30 years experi- teaching, administrative achievement, career in education should send the
ence and must have made significant contributions to research, leadership nominee’s resume and other docu-
contributions to the field of education in professional associations, contribu- mentation outlining the reason for the
and/or the larger community at a local, tions to professional literature and nomination to NSU Gallaspy College of
state, national or international level. outstanding community service. Nom- Education and Human Development,
Nominees can be living or deceased. inees should be of high moral char- Northwestern State University, Natchi-
Nominations are also open for acter whose contributions have most toches, LA 71497.
Distinguished Young Professional in fully expressed the spirit of service the Nomination forms and additional
Education, an award that recognizes award represents. information are available by calling
an outstanding young professional Inductees will be honored during [phone].
7 SUMMER 2018
Alumni News
Second annual Flavor of Louisiana delights crowd with local cuisine, cocktails and music
Nearly 600 guests enjoyed seafood dishes, music and more at Flavor of Louisiana, Northwestern State University’s spring
fund raiser and celebration of Louisiana cuisine. The March 23 event, presented in partnership with the Louisiana Seafood
Board, raised nearly $50,000 that will support student scholarships, academic programming and professional development
for faculty.
Flavor of Louisiana featured 18 chefs from around the state offering samples of both exotic and familiar seafood dishes, as
well as barbecue and side dishes for meat eaters, along with six bars with specialty cocktails, craft beers, frozen drinks, coffee
and tea. Fund raising booths were also hosted by each college to support their specific programs, as well the Spirit of North-
western Demon Marching Band uniform fund.
“We have heard nothing but positive feedback. I believe everyone who attended had a wonderful time. There was an end-
less amount of delicious food provided by chefs all across Louisiana. The cocktails were great and the band played music that
had guests out on the dancefloor. We would have never been able to pull off this event if it weren’t for the help we received
from the faculty, staff and student volunteers,” said Rebekah Burleson, event coordinator.
Volunteer Louisiana recognizes alumnae
as Champions of Service
Two Northwestern State University alumnae were named
2018 Champions of Service by Volunteer Louisiana. Barbara
Jo Pease (1973) was chosen from as Greater New Orleans
Champion and Lois Rector (1977) was selected as Capital
Area Champion.
Volunteer Louisiana names Champions of Service to honor
people, groups and businesses in Louisiana who demon-
strate compassion and dedication, leadership and initiative
or innovation and creativity in addressing community chal- Lt. Governor Billy Nungesser Lois Rector with Karen Moss-
lenges while serving others. Champions are chosen from a with Jo Pease Barnes
pool of statewide nominees.
Pease has been involved with Louisiana Youth Seminar, a Rector, who has volunteered with Knock Knock Children’s
high school leadership program held each summer, since its Museum since 2015, spends at least three days a week as an
inception in 1971. She recruits and fundraises for the orga- ambassador for play and learning. She also chaired the com-
nization, single-handedly creating a scholarship program. mittee that helped create the museum’s Art Garden Learning
Peace serves with College Track New Orleans, a group that Zone.
provides extracurricular and academic skills to help students Peace, Rector and seven other Champions of Service were
graduate from high school and college. Peace, a member honored during National Volunteer Week, during an April 18
NSU’s Long Purple Line, serves on the NSU Foundation Board. gala at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge.
8 SUMMER 2018