Left to right is Kendal Perkins, Dr. Jim Henderson, and Fred Terasa.

Dr. Jim Henderson, President of Northwestern State University, received a warm welcome at the Natchitoches Rotary Club’s most recent meeting. Henderson, who was introduced by incoming Rotary President, Fred Terasa, as a dynamic difference-maker in our community, focused his talk on the 2016 legislative session and its impact on higher education. This legislative session will go down in the record books as the longest continuous period in over 200 years. Henderson stated that his job in regards to session, is to advocate for NSU and higher education.

Higher education has seen significant cuts over the past several years – a difference of 30M for NSU since 2008. With these cuts, the burden of paying for a college education is almost solely on the student. With NSU students providing more than 70% of the University’s income, Henderson is determined to provide a quality college experience and top-notch education – dedicated to one goal…YOURS.

During his talk with the group, Henderson also highlighted various changes and happenings that Natchitoches residents can expect to see around Northwestern’s campus in the upcoming months. In the area of academics, four new graduate certificate programs will add to the variety provided by NSU’s graduate program and will be available at an affordable cost, a competency-based computer science degree will be offered, and an academic partnership with Cuba are all in the works. Café Demon, which serves up Starbucks products, and the Academic Success Center are a big part of the renovations at Watson Library and will set NSU’s campus apart from other local schools. Those visiting Turpin Stadium will experience the “Purple Pandemonium,” as all new purple seats are installed, and the Spirit of Northwestern’s Demon Marching Band will welcome over 120 Freshman into the fold.

Henderson ended by telling the group, “It’s an exciting time to be a Demon. The best days for NSU are yet to come.”

For more information, visit https://www.nsula.edu/.