February 11, 2025

NATCHITOCHES — A major transformation is underway at Northwestern State University, with new academic and athletic facilities set to enhance student learning and campus life. Construction on Alost Hall, a $45 million academic hub, remains on track for a Fall 2025 opening.

Looming over Sam Sibley Drive, the 73,200 square foot structure will feature multipurpose classrooms, a large multi-functional area, simulation labs, training areas, a café, an administrative office suite and space for 60 faculty offices.  Alost Hall was funded through state capital outlay, which is dedicated for state infrastructure projects, and will replace Kyser Hall as the university’s main academic building.

Across campus, progress on the David and Sherry Morgan Health Performance Center is also underway.  Annexed to the Donald G. Kelly Athletic Complex, the facility will include a 11,600 square foot weight room with space for more than 100 student-athletes, a 25-foot artificial turf pad, a nutrition center, a student-athlete lounge and offices for the strength and conditioning staff. That project is funded by private donations.

NSU President James Genovese said the new facilities will have a direct and immediate positive impact on students.

“State-of-the-art classrooms, space for meetings and lectures right in the heart of campus…Alost Hall is a win-win for students and faculty,” Genovese said. “It’s already a point of pride when we bring prospective students and their parents to campus and the expansion of Athletic facilities is an important selling point for future student-athletes.”

Those concrete signs of growth align with increased student retention and the university’s ongoing initiatives to foster economic development throughout the university’s 10-parish service area.

NSU’s Office of Economic Development and University Advancement is developing innovative ways to strengthen public/private partnerships, bridging the gap between academia and industry through workforce development and job placement.

For example, NSU offers a two-year associate degree in Engineering Technology with a concentration in advanced manufacturing that integrates classroom learning with experience in an industrial facility. Students work part-time and receive a competitive wage from an industry partner while taking classes two days a week.  That program is important for students who aspire to earn a degree, but still need to work.

NSU is also partnering with the Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts and the City of Natchitoches to develop an Innovation Park that will include a business development center, conference area and makers’ space.  The complex will connect to the NSU and LSMSA campuses on University Parkway and will incorporate office space for both institutions and green spaces for the community.

“Collaborations not only help companies grow but help connect students and faculty with industry professionals,” said Laurie Morrow, executive director of Economic Development and University Advancement.  Partnerships open opportunities for research collaboration and problem-solving and first-hand access to talent, she said.

Academic advising also plays a role in student retention. Earlier this year, faculty participated in advising training presented by NSU’s Elevate U staff that outlined strategies to help students discover their strengths and weaknesses, develop plans to achieve academic goals and optimize their NSU experience.  Elevate U is a grant-funded program that provides extra layers of support for low-income and first-generation students. Students also benefit from supplemental instruction through NSU’s innovative FLAME (Faculty Led Assistance in My Education) program, tutoring and one-on-one check-in meetings.

Spring 2025 enrollment stands at 7,761, with an increase in first-time freshmen and transfer students. Housing applications for Fall 2025 are also rising, reflecting growing interest in NSU.

“The caliber of the student that is reaching out to us right now and that we are meeting at recruiting events is very impressive,” said Van Erikson, director of Enrollment Management.   “These are high achieving honor students with high GPAs and high ACT scores. They are interested in NSU’s small class sizes, opportunities to get involved with campus organizations and the affordability of attending Northwestern.”

More than 500 prospective students are registered to attend N-Side View, the university’s spring preview day, on Saturday, Feb. 15 where students and families, can take campus tours, talk with faculty and current students and get information on degree programs, housing, financial aid and scholarships.

“As Northwestern expands with new state-of-the-art facilities and welcomes more freshmen, transfers and returning students, the university is shaping the future of education and workforce development,” Genovese said. “This is more than just an exciting time to be part of the Northwestern family — it’s a defining moment. We’re building a future where innovation, opportunity and student success come together to shape the next generation of leaders.”

[Watch Now] State of the University | Spring 2025 – President James T. Genovese Shares What’s Next for Northwestern:https://vimeo.com/1055384847