President James T. Genovese Welcome Reception 2024 from Northwestern State on Vimeo.
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University hosted a press conference and reception to introduce James T. Genovese as the university’s 21st president Tuesday, July 23. Genovese and his family were met with congratulations from the university and Natchitoches communities, elected officials, alumni and school supporters.
Genovese expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support he received during and after the presidential search.
“It’s overwhelming. I want to thank each and every one of you for being here because I need you and you are part of the overall plan,” he said. “I have a lot of institutional knowledge, having served on the Supreme Court for eight years and having handled 200 employees, 19,000 lawyers, 372 judges and a budget of $208M.”
He recognized his wife Martha and their daughters Stephanie, Adrienne and Sarah, who were in the audience. Daughters Celeste and Elizabeth were not able to attend.
“Having five daughters and lived through that, I think I can take on this job,” he said.
He also thanked outgoing president Dr. Marcus Jones for his service to the university and assistance in the transition of office.
“I commend him for what he has done. His heart and soul are with Northwestern, and he has now levitated into a position in the UL System, but he has been there for me and I speak with him on a regular basis.”
Natchitoches District Attorney Billy Joe Harrington, NSU alum and long-time colleague and friend, said Genovese has a reputation for treating people with dignity and respect and will bring experience, leadership and energy to his role as president of Northwestern.
“If you watch President Genovese, he is exhilarating, he is exciting, he is full of energy and that is going to translate into Northwestern, into all of us. That will translate into getting more students here and benefit our town,” Harrington said. “President Genovese has so many layers of experience, leadership, administrative leadership and those layers are going to be wonderful for Northwestern.”
Earlier in the morning, Genovese met with students who provided a lively welcome, introduced themselves and showcased campus life. During the program, student leaders and student-athletes presented gifts to the new first couple, including a Demon fan starter pack, and offered remarks of encouragement.
“How invigorating it is to be with the students and see their joy and their excitement,” Genovese said. “It brings back memories and I emphasize how they are the lifeblood of this institution.”
The new president said he will focus on increasing enrollment and addressing inadequate financing.
“We’ve got great programs, and I want to get out and I want to sell it,” Genovese said. “My vision is to reinvigorate and rejuvenate Northwestern and bring it back to the prominence that it once had and certainly deserves today.”
Genovese was named NSU president July 18 and will assume office Aug. 5 as the university begins its 140th academic year.
He is a lifelong resident of Opelousas and a 1971 graduate of NSU who went on to earn a law degree from Loyola University in 1974. As an undergraduate, Genovese was a four-year letterman in tennis. He was named to Who’s Who Among Universities and Colleges, Who’s Who Among Greek Fraternities and Sororities of America and Outstanding College Athletes of America. He was also president of Tau Kappa Epsilon Fraternity and involved with Interfraternity Council, Student Government Association and intramurals. Genovese was inducted into the Long Purple Line, NSU’s alumni hall of distinction, in 2018.
Mrs. Genevese, the former Martha Anne Janes, also attended Northwestern State as a nursing major, but chose a military career and retired as a staff sergeant in the Air Force. In addition to five daughters, they have four grandchildren and one great-grandson.
