April 10, 2025

NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University’s oldest and most prestigious honorary service societies, Purple Jackets, Blue Key and Order of Omega, welcomed new members to start off Honors Week at the university.  Honors Week celebrates the university’s organizations that recognize student achievement in academics, research, leadership and service.

Dean of Students and Vice President for the Student Experience Reatha Cox said college honor societies are more than a line on a resume.

“I have spent over 37 years working to support student success and I’ve seen firsthand what recognizing and celebrating academic success can mean to students and their families,” Cox said. “Honor societies are national and international organizations that enhance belonging, facilitate student and faculty interaction and develop student leaders. They provide connections outside of the institution, academic support and opportunities to affiliate with a network of members all over the world.”

Begun in 1927, NSU’s Purple Jackets are junior or senior level students selected based on scholarship, outstanding achievement, exceptional leadership and high ideals.  Members must have at least a 3.0 GPA by their junior year and must be in two other campus-affiliated organizations, serving as an officer in at least one organization. Dedicated to community service and serving as the official hostesses of NSU, members must demonstrate good scholarship, good character and a spirit of cooperation and unselfishness in serving Northwestern State.

New Purple Jackets listed by hometown are as follows.

Arcadia – Lauryn Vernon

Baton Rouge – Honor Camus

Benton – Kate Evans

Breaux Bridge – Monte Singleton

DeRidder – Hannah Kennedy

Eunice – Aeryn Doucet

Glenmora – Atzi Perez

Haughton – Ellie Hardy

Hineston – Isabelle Rubio

Jennings – Maggie Martinez

Lafayette – Kamryn Babineaux

Lake Charles – Ja’Naya Woodard

Meraux – Abigail Coker

New Roads — Emily LaGrone

Provencal – Jesse Foshee

Rayville – Nicole Miller

Shreveport – Nilah Pollard

Sondheimer – Cailen Wiltcher

Thibodaux – Corinne Boudreaux

Blue Key Honor Society bases eligibility for membership on all-around leadership and integrity in student life, high scholastic achievement and service to others. NSU’s Blue Key chapter was established in 1959.

New Blue Key members listed by hometown are as follows.

Alexandria – Anthony Ugokwe

Bossier City – Madysen Morgan

Cottonport – Bryce Juneau

DeRidder – Jacob Mullican

Gloster – Paige Linsey

Lafayette – Alex Laurent

Leesville – Allyce Richards

Minden – A’Shuntee Simmons

Natchitoches – Eli Dyjack, Joshua Nolley

Rayville – Nicole Miller

Sondheiimer – Cailen Wiltcher

Walker – Mitchell Mayfield

Order of Omega is a Greek honorary organization that recognizes the top five percent of individuals in the fraternity and sorority community.  Membership recognizes academic achievements, participation and leadership in campus organizations, citizenship and service to the campus community.

New Order of Omega members listed by hometown are as follows.

Alexandria – Anthony Ugokwe

Benton – Niklaus Jordan

Bossier City – Christian James

Cottonport – Bryce Juneau

Haughton – Kameron Burns, Lawson Turner

Jena – Coree Nash

Lafayette – Alex Laurent, Kylan Williams

Lake Charles – Ja’Naya Woodard

Montgomery, Texas – Kieler Soape

Natchitoches – Joshua Nolley, Mya Williams

New Roads – Emily LaGrone

Oak Grove – Abby Chop

Pineville – Alyssa Austin

Provencal – Jesse Foshee

Sondheimer – Cailen Wiltcher

Stanley – Logan Chadwick

Thibodaux – Corinne Boudreaux

Walker – Mitchell Mayfield

Winnfield – Lucas Homan, Ella Price