NATCHITOCHES – Leadership from Northwestern State University met with Louisiana’s congressional delegation and other officials in Washington, D.C., last week to underscore the pivotal role that higher education plays in preparing Louisiana’s future workforce.
NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Vice President of External Affairs Dr. Drake Owens, and Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Greg Handel were among the large delegation of local, state and federal officials, business advocates, civic leaders and other Louisianians who convened in the U.S. Capitol for the Krewe of Louisiana Mardi Gras festivities, an annual occasion that blends the festivities of Carnival with the important work of networking, strategizing, and discussions on resources, policies and other significant matters.
The Northwestern State delegation was no different and took advantage of a meeting with U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Shreveport native, in the Speaker’s quarters at the Capitol.
“Discussions centered on NSU and its impact on the northwest Louisiana region,” Jones said. “We also spoke on methods of enhancing and expanding our ROTC program at Northwestern State.”
Additional meetings took place with key figures, including U.S. Senator John Kennedy; U.S. Senator Bill Cassidy and U.S Representative Troy Carter, where “discussion centered around the Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act] passed by Congress last fall and the impact it will have at home in Natchitoches. An important component of the bill is to fund the rebuilding of roads and bridges, ensure reliable high-speed internet, improve transportation and address other community issues,” Jones said.
Jones mentioned, “the South Jefferson extension connecting to the Hwy 1 Bypass has sparked significant conversation. This expansion is set to improve safety and transportation for NSU by offering an additional exit, distinct from the existing five University Parkway exits.”
In addition to infrastructure, NSU is seeking funds to assist with increasing retention and graduation rates by supporting first-generation and students who receive Pell Grants, a form of federal financial aid awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
“In partnership with the City of Natchitoches, we are establishing a Campus Edge program, allowing NSU to secure all bordering property to the main campus, further revitalizing these spaces,” Jones added.
The conversation with Cassidy included discussion about pending changes to FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) for colleges and how the delayed implementation could impact NSU’s large PELL eligible student population. Earlier this week, the U.S. Department of Education announced that FAFSA information submitted by students won’t be transmitted until the first half of March, shortening the timeline for institutions to make financial aid offers. The delay is meant to give the Education Department time to unveil a new, simplified form that reduces the number of questions students must answer. That process has been delayed by technical glitches.
“Discussions at the nation’s capital hold great significance” Jones said. Administrators are working with Merchant McIntyre Associates, a federal government relations agency that specializes in grants, legislative strategy and advocacy for non-profits and other organizations.
“Given the ongoing reduction in state funding, it is crucial to obtain federal grant funding that produces meaningful outcomes,” Jones said.
Last year’s engagements yielded positive results for high-impact projects and grant funding such as a Title III Elevate U grant of over $2 million to support retention and graduation rates for financially challenged students, a $2 million grant for the Northwestern Entrepreneurial Innovation Center and the preliminary renewal of a grant to support NSU’s TRIO Student Support Services, a federally-funded program that provides support for students who are economically disadvantaged, first-generation and/or students with disabilities.
“These successful interactions reinforce our commitment to securing support and resources crucial for NSU’s continued growth and success,” Jones said. “I give special thanks and appreciation to U.S. Speaker Mike Johnson, Senator Kennedy, Senator Cassidy and Representative Carter for securing these grants and elevating our Congressionally Directed Spending efforts.”
Pictured: Natchitoches and Northwestern State University leaders joined others from around Louisiana in Washington, D.C., last week, where amid Mardi Gras festivities, the serious work of meetings, discussions and networking took place. From left are Dr. Drake Owens, vice president of External Affairs; Natchitoches Mayor Ronnie Williams Jr., NSU President Dr. Marcus Jones, Laura Lyles, president of the Natchitoches Chamber of Commerce, and Dr. Greg Handel, provost and vice president of Academic Affairs.
