NATCHITOCHES – This fall will be a special one for freshman Annalee Stevens and her family. Stevens, who is from Pineville, will be the fifth generation of women to attend Northwestern State University.
The tradition began when Steven’s great-great grandmother Eva Paulk attended Louisiana State Normal School. Her great grandmother Vyrtis Cox earned a master’s in English from Northwestern State. Steven’s grandmother Kathy Vaughn received a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and is working on a master’s in English. Vaughn is a member of NSU’s nursing faculty. Her mother Sarah Stevens received a master’s in educational leadership from NSU.
“I think it says a lot about Northwestern because each woman in the generations before me chose the same school to further their education,” said Stevens, who recently graduated from Pineville High School and will major in nursing. “I chose to attend Northwestern because I have always heard great things about the university. I also like the atmosphere that Natchitoches has to offer.”
Sarah Stevens said she thinks everyone in her family found the same reason to attend Northwestern.
“I think there is such a strong tie to Northwestern for our family because of the university’s tradition of excellence in academics,” said Sarah Stevens, who is a teacher at Pineville High School. “Our family has consistently received quality post-secondary and graduate-level education and degrees from NSU.”
The eight-week summer sessions at NSU begin June 10. Fall classes start on August 19.
First time students can learn more about Northwestern State this summer at a session of Freshman Connection.
Four sessions will be at the Natchitoches campus on May 22-23, May 29-30, June 13 and July 10-11. The program will be held on the Alexandria campus on June 18, the Shreveport campus on June 20 and the Leesville/Fort Johnson campus on June 26.
Participants in Freshman Connection will be placed in a small group with a connector, who will guide individuals through the orientation program. Connectors are current Northwestern State students who share information about what can be expected at NSU and will offer support and guidance about the high school to college transition.
During the program, those attending will have a chance to meet with university administrators, visit with faculty and staff and learn more about campus life. Participants will be introduced to the academic programs and services provided by the University, such as academic advising and support services. Upon completing the registration process at Freshman Connection, students will be prepared for their first semester in college and will leave with a fall schedule in hand.
For more information, go to nsula.edu/freshmanconnection.
