Northwestern State President Dr. Chris Maggio has been named to the North Louisiana Economic Partnership’s Board of Directors for 2018-19. Maggio was among 51 business, professional, governmental and educational leaders selected by the partnership’s nearly 200 investors.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to serve alongside outstanding leaders in a variety of fields who are working to advance north Louisiana,” said Maggio. “Northwestern State is committed to producing students who are ready for today’s workforce. The information I am able to gain while serving on the NLEP board will help the university as it continues working closely with business and industry to advance our region and the state.”
North Louisiana Economic Partnership, an Accredited Economic Development Organization, provides professional economic development services to the 14-parish region of North Louisiana, including lead generation and prospect management. The organization also represents the interests of North Louisiana with a unified voice and as a single point of contact. It acts as a catalyst, convener and connector in the region to ensure that North Louisiana’s economic development potential is realized. Its vision is for North Louisiana to be a thriving region that is a destination for high quality talent, innovative companies and global investment.
Last year, Northwestern State hosted executives from NLEP for a round table meeting to discuss the university’s role in economic development and opportunities for collaboration to improve workforce development initiatives.
Over the last four years, Northwestern State has created new programs and strengthened existing programs to fill jobs here in Louisiana. These include a doctorate of nursing practice, a doctor of education degree in adult education administration, post-baccalaureate certificate programs in business analytics, project management and quality control, a master of science in information management, a bachelor of applied science in resource management, a bachelor of science in environmental chemistry, a bachelor of arts program in foreign languages and a bachelor of science degree in microbiology.
Partnerships with business and industry create opportunities for students to gain practical experience before they graduate. Programs promote internships, externships and other opportunities at the bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
Northwestern State has agreements with several community and technical colleges around the state that allow students who complete a two-year degree to transfer credits to apply towards a bachelor’s degree, which saves time and money and opens career opportunities.
NSU is a pioneer in online education, offering 39 degree programs online, more than any other public institution in Louisiana. Online programs are beneficial for active-duty military, individuals who are employed full-time or those who location limits their ability to attend a traditional class.
