Alumni Columns (Volume Winter 2017)

2016·31.3 MB·English

by  Northwestern State University

WINTER 2017
Northwestern State University Magazine
Messages
Alumni Columns
Official Publication of
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, Louisiana
Organized in 1884
A member of CASE
Volume XXVI Number 4 Winter 2017
By now you know that as of Jan. 1, 2017, I begin my new
The Alumni Columns (USPS 015480) is published
role as president of the University of Louisiana System, a by Northwestern State University,
transition in which I will have expanded involvement in Natchitoches, Louisiana, 71497-0002
Periodicals Postage Paid at Natchitoches, La.,
shaping the future of our alma mater and the eight other and at additional mailing offices.
schools in the UL System. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to the
Alumni Columns, Northwestern State University,
It is impossible for me to adequately express what a privi-
Natchitoches, La. 71497-0002.
lege it was to lead this university for the last two years and Alumni Office Phone: [phone] and 888-799-6486
FAX: [phone] • E-mail: [email protected]
how deeply appreciative I am to those who supported our
work, believed in a new vision for Northwestern State, and NSU ALUMNI OFFICERS
President .........................Monty Chicola, Natchitoches, 1979, 1980
Dr. Jim Henderson worked to raise NSU to higher levels of achievement and 1st Vice President ..................Dr. P. Cade Brumley, Stonewall, 2002
1994 excellence. 2nd Vice President...................................Caron Chester Coleman,
.............................................................................Natchitoches, 2000
President Northwestern, as I have stated many times, is blessed Secretary................Patricia Hrapmann, New Orleans, 1973, 1978
Northwestern State with some of the most knowledgeable and creative people Treasurer......................................Mike Wilburn, Shreveport, 1975
University
in higher education in Louisiana and far beyond. The vast
EX OFFICIO MEMBERS
pool of talent and energy here will ensure the continued success of our school NSU President ........................................ Dr. Jim Henderson, 1994
Vice President for External Affairs ....................Jerry Pierce, 1961
regardless of who is serving as president. Our faculty and the Leadership Team Assistant Vice President of External Affairs
are committed to executing our strategic plan, a plan focused on preparing stu- for University Advancement ................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Associate Director of
dents for life and career success and giving our employers a competitive advan- Alumni Affairs ....................................Vanner Erikson, 2011, 2014
tage. I could not be more confident in the accelerating success of our university.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
In this time of immense challenge and limitless opportunity for higher educa- Wil Adams .............................................................Shreveport, 2009
tion, effective leadership for the universities of Louisiana at the system level is Jerry Brungart .........................................Natchitoches, 1969, 1971
Tommy Chester .................................................Natchitoches, 1969
paramount. I intend to work towards making every university in the University Leonard Endris ...........................................Shreveport, 1974, 1975
of Louisiana System as strong and effective as possible. Allen Evans ............................................................Shreveport, 1989
John Evans ..........................................................Natchitoches, 1992
 Thank you for your ongoing support and assistance and for making our as- Dr. Hayward Hargrove.......................Black Mountain, N.C., 1964
sociation with Northwestern State so gratifying and enjoyable for me, Tonia and Trey Hill ....................................................................Carencro, 1985
Carlos Jones..............................................Round Rock, Texas, 1993
our family. Gail Jones ..........................................................Natchez, 1981, 1998
Matt Koury ................................................................Leesville, 1995
Bryant Lewis .........................................................Haynesville, 1958
Fork ‘Em, Demons. W. Lane Luckie .....................................................Tyler, Texas, 2008
Dr. Lisa Landry Mathews......................................Shreveport, 1992
Leah Middlebrook .........................................................Dallas, 1986
Kip Patrick ...................................................Washington, DC, 1995
Cliff Poimboeuf .....................................................Shreveport, 1984
Michael Prudhomme................................................ Natchez, 1984
Joseph W. Schelette ...............................................Shreveport, 1969
Mark Spikes ..............................................League City, Texas, 1991
Dear alumni,
David Stamey .....................................................Natchitoches, 1982
Joseph B. Stamey ................................................Natchitoches, 1983
Glenn Talbert ........................................................Shreveport, 1964
I have written recently about change here on campus
Taylor Townsend................................................Natchitoches, 1986
and we know that change in life and in work is inevitable. Carlos Treadway .............................................Northville, MI, 1992
Marti Vienne ......................................................Natchitoches, 1982
Change often means growth and we wish our friend Dr.
Ricky Walmsley .....................................................Mandeville, 1985
Jim Henderson well as he moves into a role that will have Dr. Leonard Williams ........................................New Orleans, 1993
great impact in higher education throughout Louisiana. It STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
has been a privilege to have been part of his administra- John Pearce .................................................Livonia, SGA President

tion and I speak for all of us in saying that we will work Publisher .................................................Drake Owens, 2004, 2005
Drake Owens very hard to ensure that the momentum of the last two Editor ..........................................Leah Pilcher Jackson, 1994, 2011
2004, 2005 Contributors ....................................................................David West
years continues. Doug Ireland, 1986
Assistant Vice
President of External Another measure of growth at Northwestern State is Photography ...........................................................GLaloryyd H Caroduarmtnoeny
Affairs for University the increasingly generous engagement of our young Karalee Scouten, 2015
Advancement alumni. The Millennial generation is statistically the most Design/Layout ..................................Beth McPherson Mann, 1975
socially-connected and cause-driven demographic in the
United States today and as they enter the workforce, they recognize the im-
portance of supporting education and leadership development. You can read
Northwestern State University is accredited by the Southern
about these young alumni and how they are helping our current students on Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Page 11. (SACSCOC) (1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-
4097; telephone number 404-679-4501) to award associate,
We begin the new year with plans to celebrate one of Northwestern State’s baccalaureate, master’s, and specialist’s degrees.
most valuable assets, the 30th anniversary of the Louisiana Scholars’ College.
This public document was published at a total cost of $17,826. 46,400 copies of
Preparations have also already begun for another stunning commencement this public document were published in this first printing at a cost of $17,826.
The total cost of all printings of this document, including reprints is $17,826. This
and recognition for our 50 year graduates. The future is bright and Northwest- document was published by Northwestern State University Office of University
Advancement and printed by Moran Printing, Inc., 5425 Florida Boulevard,
ern State’s best days still lie ahead of us. Baton Rouge, LA 70806 to foster and promote the mutually beneficial relationship
between Northwestern State University and its alumni, supporters and community
I wish you a healthy and productive 2017. 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.
Northwestern State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy or parenting status, and veteran or retirement status in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the
Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination 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 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) concerns, contact the Disability Support Director, Catherine Faucheaux, at 318-357-4460. Additionally, Northwestern complies with the Jeanne Clery 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.
Students pen notes of gratitude
at third annual Thank A Donor Day
Northwestern State University’s third annual Thank A Donor Day drew over 500 students, student-athletes, coaches, faculty
and staff to pen notes of thanks to individuals who support scholarships at the university. The event, a partnership between
the NSU Foundation and the Demons Unlimited Foundation, encourages students to acknowledge the generosity of those
who contribute to student and student-athlete scholarships and connect donors to the students who are benefitting from
their contributions. “It’s a chance for us to really remind our students of the impact that donors make in their experience here
at Northwestern State,” said Assistant Director of Development Tiffany Chasteen. For information on contributing to student
scholarships, contact Chasteen at [phone] or email [email protected].
Former Mr. and Miss Northwesterns congratulate 2016 honorees
Several former Mr. and Miss NSU alumni congratulated the 2016 honorees during a reunion in October. From left are NSU
President Dr. Jim Henderson, Gregg Manning, Brittany McConathy, Cody Whitaker, Matt Whitaker, A.J. Kennedy, Karen
Murphy Hillis, Lytt and Cynthia Allen, T.J. Gorham, Stan Powell, Leighann Westfall, Reginald Horton, Jimmy Berry, Leonard
Blanton, Pam Haley, Russell Bienvenu, Lucy Joiner Hearron, Martha Koury, Melissa Kelly and Dr. Chris Maggio.
On the cover: The bust of the French playwright and actor Molière (1722-1673) that resides in Morrison Hall, home of the Louisiana
Scholars’ College, was discovered in the basement of Russell Hall when the Scholars’ College was originally located there in 1987. According
to Dr. Lisa Wolffe, a statue of Nike was also found there and is also now located in Morrison. “Nike, a gift to NSU from the class of 1920, had
a broken wing and it was going to cost too much to fix it so Molière was given ‘pride of place.’” Wolffe said. “Some of my colleagues were
convinced that it was a bust of Descartes but I was able to show them that the original is in the Théâtre Français in Paris.” The Louisiana
Scholars’ College moved from Russell Hall to Morrison Hall in 1996.
1 WINTER 2017
Alumni News
Henderson takes helm
at UL System
Dr. Jim Henderson begins his role as president of the
University of Louisiana System as of Jan. 1, 2017. Hender-
son, who served as president of Northwestern State for two
years, was nominated and selected in October by unani-
mous vote of the Board of Supervisors to head the system
that includes Northwestern State and either other institu-
tions in Louisiana.
“It is with a deep sense of humility and appreciation that
I accept this prestigious position even though I obviously
have some mixed emotions about leaving a university that
has been such an important part of my life,” Henderson
said. “Part of my heart will always be with Northwestern
and its people.  But the system presidency will allow me to
maintain a close association with my alma mater and the
Natchitoches community and at the same time provide op-
portunities to create a positive impact on higher education McNeese State University and Southeastern Louisiana
statewide.” University.  Total enrollment of system schools is more than
90,000.
Henderson has extensive experience in higher education
and state government.  Prior to serving as NSU’s 18th presi-
dent, he was chancellor of Bossier Parish Community College
after serving as senior vice president for Career and Techni-
cal Education for the Louisiana Community and Technical
College System. Earlier in his career, Henderson was direc-
tor of Administration and Workforce Development for the
Louisiana Department of Labor and worked in the private
sector in hotel management for 10 years before beginning
his service in state government.
During Henderson’s tenure, Northwestern State’s enroll-  A native of Shreveport, Henderson is a 1994 graduate of
ment increased by 9 percent with a gain of 7 percent for Northwestern with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and
the Fall 2016 semester that was the largest numerical and English. He earned a master’s degree in administration from
percentage increase among University of Louisiana schools. the University of West Florida and a doctorate in manage-
The university also established numerous new and realigned ment from the University of Maryland-University College.
market-responsive academic programs to better serve busi- His wife, Tonia Istre Henderson, earned a degree at North-
ness, industry and graduates entering the workforce. Other western State in 1993.
highlights include enhanced activities and experiences for  
students, upgraded campus facilities, expanded marketing
initiatives, innovative recruitment programs and substantial
increases in fund-raising and alumni engagement.
Henderson said he will work diligently with the Board of
Supervisors to help make schools in the University of Loui-
siana System stronger and more vibrant in times that have
been challenging for higher education.
“Louisiana’s colleges and universities have been dramati-
cally affected by budget cuts and other crises for nearly a
decade, and a sea change in policies, direction and strate-
gies will be required to reinstate our institutions to the posi-
tion of prominence which they deserve.  The system office
will be at the forefront of those efforts in the years ahead,”
Henderson said.
The University of Louisiana System governs Northwestern
State, Louisiana Tech University, Grambling State University,
University of Louisiana-Lafayette, University of New Orleans,
Nicholls State University, University of Louisiana-Monroe,
2 WINTER 2017
Henderson, often referred to as
#coolprez, built a strong rapport with
the university community through
social media, personal accessibility and
his presence at campus functions.
3 WINTER 2017
Alumni News
Spotlights Charlie Vienne, a 1991 graduate of previously holding positions with M-I
Northwestern State, was named as- SWACO and Halliburton in sales, prod-
sociate vice president for Alumni Rela- uct line and account management,
tions at Sam Houston State University, operations and project management
Prof. Gail S. Stephenson was Huntsville, Texas. Vienne’s title change across the U.S. and working with major
among four Southern University Law from director of alumni relations is and independent operators in the
Center faculty members promoted to reflective of his work and leadership Houston and New Orleans markets. He
the rank of full professor last fall. with SHSU alumni program. holds a bachelor of science degree in
Stephenson is the Louisiana Outside Vienne has worked in the SHSU industrial art from Northwestern State
Counsel A. A. Lenoir Endowed Profes- alumni office for 10 years where he and post-graduate qualifications in
sor and director of the Law Center’s worked effectively with the alumni management and computer science
Legal Analysis and Writing Program. board and other leaders to develop from Tulane University in New Orleans.
Her research focuses on culturally one of the nation’s emerging and
diverse teaching, Louisiana civil proce- outstanding alumni programs. During Frank Jabbia, principal of North-
dure and civil law notaries. Her publi- his tenure, the SHSU alumni associa- shore High School, was named 2016-
cations have appeared in the Louisiana tion experienced dramatic increases 17 High School Principal of the Year by
Law Review, the Loyola Law Review, in membership support, endowments, the St. Tammany Parish Public School
the Southern University Law Review, engagement and program quality. System. Jabbia was also selected as a
the Journal of Gender, Race, and Justice According to SHSU administrators, Vi- semi-finalist in the 2017 Louisiana Prin-
and the Cumberland Law Review. Ste- enne has built a solid team that works cipal of the Year program held by the
phenson is also considered the state’s collaboratively within the Advance- Louisiana Department of Education,
foremost expert of the law of notaries.  ment Division at SHSU and has devel- which honors the most exceptional
She earned a B.A. with honors from oped relationships with association school leaders from systems across the
Northwestern State in 1976, where leaders and alumni that contributed state. He will be honored at the Cecil J.
she was inducted into Phi Kappa Phi, to SHSU’s success in fund raising and Picard Educator Excellence Symposium
Purple Jackets and the Political Sci- image enhancement. in Baton Rouge July 15 where the state
ence Honor Society. She earned a juris Vienne began his career at SHSU in winners will be announced.
doctorate from the LSU Paul M. Hebert 2006 as assistant director of Alumni Jabbia has been principal at North-
Law Center in 1984, where she was a Relations after working as assistant shore High since 2013, having previ-
member of the Louisiana Law Review athletic director for external relations ously served as assistant principal and
and Order of the Coif. She was in- at Northwestern State. Later that year, administrative assistant. He earned his
ducted into the Paul M. Hebert Hall of he was named director for the depart- bachelor’s degree in physical educa-
Fame in 1987. ment. tion and health at NSU in 1994 and a
He and his wife, Kristy Gray Vienne master of education degree from the
(1999), assistant vice president for University of Southern Mississippi.
Student Services at SHSU, have two
daughters, Jensen and Madilyn. Former students of Irma Stockwell
Taylor gathered to honor the memory
Gregory Rachal (1973) was named of their teacher who was the director
president of Oilfield Helping Hands of the speech and hearing clinic, as
(OHH), a nonprofit charitable organiza- well as the professor of speech and
tion comprised of volunteers devoted hearing at Northwestern State College,
to providing financial assistance to now NSU. “Irma’s Girls” gathered to
oilfield workers in financial crisis. As exchange fond stories of their teacher,
president of OHH, Rachal will ensure who passed away in 1995. “All of
that OHH remains a premier sup- ‘Irma’s Girls’ went on post graduation
port resource for oilfield families to become special education directors,
in crisis within six regional supervisors, coordinators, instructional
chapters in active oilfield com- specialists and speech and language
munities across the U.S. Since it pathologists in both public and private
was founded in 2003, OHH has school settings,” said Marsha Whitford,
raised more than $3.3 million former student. “All were influenced
for more than 300 families af- both professionally and personally by
fected by financial hardships. Irma Stockwell Taylor, who was a men-
Rachal has extensive tor as well as a cherished friend.”
experience in drilling fluids,
4 WINTER 2017
Alumni News
On the Bookshelf
A new book edited by Patricia A.
Matthew, an associate professor of
English at Montclair State Univer-
sity, Montclair, New Jersey, examines
discrimination among faculty of color
in higher education. “Written/Unwrit-
ten: Diversity and the Hidden Truths of
Tenure.”
Matthew earned her M.A. at North-
western State in 1995.
“Written/Unwritten” reveals that
faculty of color often face two sets of
rules when applying for reappoint-
ment, tenure, and promotion: those
made explicit in handbooks and facul-
ty orientations or determined by union
contracts and those that operate
beneath the surface. It is this second,
NSU President Dr. Jim Henderson cut the ribbon on Northwestern State
unwritten set of rules that dispropor-
University’s new rappelling tower during a program hosted by NSU’s
tionally affects faculty who are hired to
Department of Military Science in conjunction with Military Appreciation
“diversify” academic departments and
Day. The tower is located across from the James A. Noe Armory at the
then expected to meet ever-shifting
northwest corner of Turpin Stadium and was constructed through the
requirements set by tenured col-
coordinated efforts of the 1020th and 1022nd Engineer Companies, NSU
leagues and administrators.
Facility Services and NSU Army ROTC. In addition to the ribbon cutting,
Matthew and her contributors
Military Appreciation Day included acknowledgements for servicemen,
reveal how these implicit processes
servicewomen and their families.
undermine the quality of research and
teaching in American colleges and
universities. They also show what is
possible when universities persist in
their efforts to create a diverse and
more equitable professorate. These
narratives hold the academy account-
able while providing a pragmatic view
about how it might improve itself and
how that improvement can extend to
academic culture at large.
The book is available through the
University of North Carolina Press. For
more information, visit uncpress.unc.
edu/books/13734.
5 WINTER 2017
Alumni News
Northwestern State University honored three alumni as the inaugural recipients of university alumni awards. From left are Associate Director of
Alumni Affairs Vanner Erikson, Alumni Volunteer of the Year Nicole Gray, Outstanding Young Alumnus Dr. Cade Brumley, Distinguished Alumnus
Tommy Chester and Monty Chicola, president of the NSU Alumni Association.
Outstanding Alumni recognized with Distinguished Service Awards
Northwestern State University Chester earned a bachelor’s degree ni Association and Demons Unlimited.
recognized three outstanding alumni in 1967 and a master’s in 1969 from He is a deacon at First Baptist Church
with distinguished service awards Northwestern State where he played and a member of the Association for
during the university’s Homecoming baseball and was inducted into Phi the Preservation of Historic Natchi-
festivities Oct. 22. Honorees were Delta Kappa honor society. After toches. His and his wife Cindy have
Tommy Chester, Distinguished Alum- graduation, he taught chemistry and been married 48 years and have three
nus; Dr. Cade Brumley, Outstanding biology in two parishes before work- children and five grandchildren.
Young Alumnus, and Nicole Shunte ing in student affairs at Louisiana The Outstanding Young Alumnus
Gray, Alumni Volunteer of the Year. College and Louisiana Tech University. Award is presented to a young alum-
Each award is presented to a North- He has been a State Farm agent since nus has demonstrated an early record
western graduate who has exhibited 1977 and has been involved with of service to Northwestern State.
dedication and loyalty to the univer- Northwestern and with his communi- Recipients must be 40 years old or
sity’s programs and missions and has ty, serving as president of the Arcadia younger at the time of nomination.
demonstrated continued interest Jaycees and as a state officer, president Brumley has served as superinten-
in service to the NSU as a volunteer, of the Lion’s Club, board member of dent for the DeSoto Parish School
donor or advocate. Cedar Creek School and commissioner District since 2012. During his tenure,
The Distinguished Alumnus award of Dixie Baseball in Arcadia. DeSoto Parish has vaulted to the top
is presented to an alumnus who has a Since moving to Natchitoches, he third of Louisiana districts for academ-
demonstrated record of service to NSU has been involved with the Natchi- ic achievement and currently ranks
and long-term interest in serving the toches Parish Police and Fire Board, second in the state for rate of aca-
university. The recipient must have serving as it’s NSU delegate, and the demic improvement. Graduation rates
graduated at least 10 years prior to board of the Boys and Girls Club of El have increased from 79 to 96 percent,
nomination and must be 40 years of Camino Real. He has been a member the largest gain in Louisiana and the
age or older at the time of nomination. and is past president of the NSU Alum- district’s ACT gains are ranked first in
Continued on page 7
6 WINTER 2017
Alumni News
Sig Tau reunion this April
A reunion for members of the
Nu Chapter of Sigma Tau Gamma Fraternity
will be held April 28-30, 2017.
For more information, contact Vanner Erikson at [phone]
or email [email protected] or Bob Pina at [email protected].
Outstanding Alumni continued from page 6
Louisiana for rate of improvement. given to a member of the NSU Alumni State with a degree in journalism in
Brumley regularly speaks on educa- Association who demonstrates an 1994. As a student, she was president
tional leadership and organizational exemplary record of volunteering of the student chapter of the Society
health and is the author of “Leader- time, talents and service to the Alumni of Professional Journalists, Public Rela-
ship Standards in Action: A School Association and demonstrates active tions Society of America and North-
Principal as Servant-Leader. He owns involvement with a chapter, alumni western’s first student chapter of the
and operates Brumley Consulting, a interest group, affiliate program, NSU NAACP. She also competed in the 1992
leadership development group that Alumni Board or other forums of vol- Lady of the Bracelet pageant and was
supports the needs of districts, schools unteer service to the university. selected to represent Northwestern
and non-profits seeking to improve Gray has been a strong advocate for State at Texas A&M’s annual South-
professional practices. He is actively NSU and its growth, having organized western Black Student Leadership
involved with Northwestern State and established the NSU Black Alumni Conference.
University alumni engagement initia- Alliance, which promotes the expan- With more than 20 years of experi-
tives, with professional initiatives, with sion of the alumni network. In 2008, ence as a writer and editor, Gray began
his church and his community and has she established the James Oliphant her career in journalism at the Houston
been recognized with many honors in Memorial Football Scholarship, which Chronicle and later developed an inter-
those areas. is named for her father, a 1977 gradu- est in business writing. She currently
Brumley earned a bachelor’s degree ate of NSU. She currently serves on the works for Ernst & Young as assistant
in education at Northwestern State executive committees for the North- director communications and pursuit
in 2002, a master’s in education at western State University Foundation strategy and co-owns a personal train-
Louisiana State University-Shreveport Board of Directors and the Demons ing facility in Carrollton, Texas. She is
in 2004 and a doctor of education Unlimited Foundation Board of Direc- also an active member of the Profes-
in leadership from Stephen F. Austin tors. She also serves on the fundraising sional Women’s Network, which sup-
University in 2007. He is a 2010 gradu- committee and is a member of the ports women’s leadership and career
ate of the Harvard University Superin- Dallas chapter of the Northwestern development within her firm.
tendent’s Academy and a fellow in the State University Alumni Association. The honorees were recognized
Broad Superintendent’s Academy. He She has a strong alumni presence both Saturday, Oct. 22, along with other
and his wife, the former Toni Vail, also on and off the campus with a primary special guests, during the Homecom-
a graduate of Northwestern State, are mission of helping others achieve a ing football game.
the parents of two boys. quality education.
The Volunteer of the Year award is Gray graduated from Northwestern
7 WINTER 2017
Campus News
Scholars’ College marks 30th anniversary
Carmella Parker, who graduated from Scholars’ in 1999 and,
like nearly all Scholars’ students, pursued advanced degrees.
After earning an undergraduate degree from Scholars’ and
NSU’s School of Business in business administration with a
minor in liberal arts equivalent to a minor in Latin, she went
on to earn a law degree and certificate in international stud-
ies from Loyola University and an M.B.A. from the University
of New Orleans.
Parker is now an assistant professor in NSU’s School of
Business where she instructs classes in business law, cyber
business law, international business, personal finance, hotel
marketing and hotel law and is the coordinator of outreach
and special projects.
“I am all over the place academically, and Scholars’ stu-
dents are pretty much all like that,” she said.
Because of the small student/faculty ratio and because
The Louisiana Scholars’ College at Northwestern many professors spend years teaching in Scholars’, the Col-
State will celebrate the 30th anniversary of its lege has fostered many of its own traditions. College colors
establishment in 2017 with events and reunions set for are green and white and the College motto translates from
October 20-22. The College was created in 1987 as the the Greek as “virtue” or “excellence,” which reflects the Col-
states’ only designated honors college in the liberal lege’s ideals. Students and faculty host regular food fairs
arts and sciences and since its inception has attracted and game nights, a Halloween murder mystery night in Mor-
students drawn to an affordable liberal arts education. rison Hall and a barbecue for graduating seniors, which at
one time featured seniors dressed up as the personification
of their senior theses. At the senior barbecue, seniors place
The philosophy behind Scholars’ is that serious study in their hands on the bust of Moliere that resides in the foyer
the central disciplines of the arts and sciences is the best of Morrison Hall, announce the title of their theses and are
preparation for all aspects of life. Central to classroom learn- dubbed educated.
ing is the seminar format, which allows for exchange of ideas “For me, the most important milestones are the different
between students and professors and teaches students how success stories of our various graduates. They are in very
to work toward understanding, how to present and defend diverse positions all over the world,” said Dr. Lisa Wolffe, who
ideas clearly and how to accept the views of others in a pro- has been on faculty at Scholars’ since its inception. “I have
fessional manner. To graduate, students must maintain a 3.0 spent my whole career at Scholars’. I taught in France and I
grade point average and complete a senior thesis. Classes taught at UT-Austin and Texas A&M but I finished my Ph.D.
are small and with an enrollment of just under 200, students while I was here and so I feel that this was my career. I am
and faculty form a close community. the last of the original faculty members who helped form
“Scholars’ is ideal for the kind of student who is intellectu- the curriculum and who taught the first students. I think that
ally curious, who wants to have their horizons broadened, Scholars’ forms citizens and scholars who are well-rounded
who wants to look at things from multiple perspectives, who and involved in life.”  
wants to be challenged and is willing to work very hard,” said Bartels has an open door policy and students frequently
Dr. Kirsten Bartels, who was appointed director last summer. stop by to visit. She was previously director of the College of
“Our students are intellectually curious and very driven.” Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Illinois and said
The core curriculum combines great books-based courses that the size of the college and its affordability are attractive
with classes in mathematics and the sciences to provide to students. For her, the people in Scholars’ make a differ-
students with a foundation for focused study in a traditional ence.
major or in one of the College’s concentrations: humanities “There is a strong sense of community. The students help
and social thought, scientific inquiry, fine and performing each other excel and reach their full potential. This is not
arts, foreign language (French) or philosophy, politics and a place for narrow-mindedness,” she said, adding that with
law. Tuition is the same as a regular NSU student and many Scholars’, good is never good enough.
received scholarships. “I want Scholars’ College to be the best liberal arts ex-
Though times and technology have changed the student perience on the planet and I think we can do that,” Bartels
experience over the last 30 years, the Scholars’ College com- said. “We are looking for ways to make sure we are creating
prehensive and interdisciplinary curriculum has continued opportunities in the best interest of students, faculty and
to draw students who love learning. university as a whole.”
“I don’t think Scholars’ has changed much. They are still More information on the Louisiana Scholars’ College is
pursuing academic excellence from the 1990s to today,” said available at nsula.edu/scholars.
8 WINTER 2017