Governor Edwards has signed the appropriations bill passed in the 2nd Extraordinary Session of the Louisiana Legislature. The legislature only funded TOPS at 70% of the expected need; however, the bill included language to fund TOPS at 100% for the Fall 2016 semester and delay any cut to TOPS until the Spring 2017 semester in the hopes that additional revenue would materialize. We at NSU view TOPS as a commitment to our students, and we will work tirelessly with all stakeholders to find solutions prior to next January. If you are a TOPS recipient, ensure those in your circle of influence understand how important that promise made to you by the state of Louisiana is. That promise should be kept.

Meanwhile, we are spending the summer making improvements to the student experience on all of our campuses and online. You are the future of this 132-year-old university, and because of you, that future could not be brighter!

Have a wonderful 4th of July weekend.

Fork ‘em!

Dr. Jim Henderson, President of Northwestern State University!