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			{{Short description\|Public university in Natchitoches, Louisiana, US}}
	:''For other universities with a similar name, see ].''
			{{Redirect\|Northwestern State\|the former administrative division of Nigeria\|North-Western State}}

			{{For\|universities with a similar name\|Northwestern University (disambiguation)}}
	{{Infobox_University
			{{Use mdy dates\|date=May 2020}}
	\|name = Northwestern State University of Louisiana
			{{Infobox university
	\|motto = (none)
			\| name = Northwestern State University of Louisiana
	\|image_name = Nsu_seal.jpg
			\| former_names = Louisiana State Normal School (1884–1944)<br />Northwestern State College of Louisiana (1944–1970)
	\|established =1884
	\|~~type~~ =], ]		\| image_name = Northwestern State University seal.svg
			\| image_size = 200
	\|chancellor =]
			\| endowment = $20.8 million (2021)<ref>{{cite web \|title=Data USA: Northwestern State University of Louisiana \|publisher=Data USA \|date=October 21, 2023 \|url=https://datausa.io/profile/university/northwestern-state-university-of-louisiana}}</ref>
	\|city =]
	\|~~state~~ =]		\| motto = Dedicated to one goal. Yours.
			\| established = {{start date and age\|1884}}
	\|country =
			\| type = ]
	\|free_label=Sports teams
			\| president = ]<ref>{{Cite web \|first=Tyrenisha \|last=James \| date=November 17, 2021 \|title=Marcus Jones chosen as 20th president of NSU \|url=https://purplemedianetwork.com/14087/news/marcus-jones-chosen-as-20th-president-of-nsu/ \|website=Purple Media Network \|access-date=July 20, 2023}}</ref>
	\|free=]
	\|~~mascot~~ =]		\| city = ]
			\| state = Louisiana
	\|colors =Purple & White {{color box\|#520063}}{{color box\|white}}\|
			\| country = United States
	\|affiliations =
			\| coor = {{coord\|31.750\|N\|93.0972\|W\|region:US-LA_type:edu\|format=dms\|display=inline,title}}
	\|website =
			\| campus = Rural, {{convert\|916\|acres\|ha}}
			\| students = 9,389 (2022)
			\| sporting_affiliations = ] ] – ]
			\| nickname = ]
			\| mascot = ]
			\| colors = Purple and White<br />Orange accent<ref>{{cite book \|title=Northwestern State University Visual Branding Guidelines \|url=https://www.nsula.edu/wp-content/uploads/NSULA_VisualBrandingGuidelines.pdf \|date=May 13, 2015 \|access-date=May 5, 2017}}</ref><br />{{color box\|#663399}} {{color box\|#FFFFFF}} {{color box\|#FF6600}}
			\| parent = ]
			\| academic_affiliations = ]
			\| website = {{URL\|www.nsula.edu}}
			\| logo = Northwestern State University logo.svg
			\| logo_size = 250
	}}		}}

	'''Northwestern State University''' ('''~~NSU~~''') is a ~~four~~-~~year~~ ] primarily situated in ], ], with a nursing campus in ] and general campuses in ]/] and ]. It is a part of the ].		'''Northwestern State University of Louisiana''' ('''NSULA''')<ref>{{Cite web \|date=February 9, 1997 \|title=Northwestern State of Louisiana \|url=https://www.nsula.edu/ \|access-date=July 20, 2023 \|website=Northwestern State University of Louisiana}}</ref> is a ] primarily situated in ], with a nursing campus in ] and general campuses in ]/] and ]. It is a part of the ].

	], ]</~~font size=2~~>]]		] ] of Natchitoches.</span>]]

	] ] of Natchitoches.</~~font size=2~~>]]		]

	]		]

	] and ].</~~font size=2~~>]]		]

			]
	]

			NSU was founded in 1884 as the '''Louisiana State Normal School'''. It was the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in nursing and business education. NSU, along with numerous other state colleges, gained university status in 1970 during the administration of President Arnold R. Kilpatrick, a Northwestern State alumnus who served from 1966 to 1978. Kilpatrick succeeded the 12-year president, John S. Kyser, a native of ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.lahistory.org/site28.php\|last=Kyser\|first=John S.\|publisher=]\|title=A Dictionary of Louisiana Biography\|work=lahistory.org\|access-date=December 27, 2010\|url-status=dead\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201234813/http://www.lahistory.org/site28.php\|archive-date=December 1, 2010}}</ref>
	], ], and ].</font size=2>]]

			NSU was one of the first six colleges to enter into ]'s Joint Venture Program. Students worked with NASA scientists to help analyze data and do research for the 1996 ] shuttle mission. NSU also hosts the ], Louisiana's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences. The ], a state-supported residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, is also located on the campus. It was a brainchild of former ] ] of Natchitoches, who also attended NSU.
	] program.</font size=2>]]

			NSU offers more than 50 degree programs. Fall 2018 total enrollment was 11,081, the largest in the university's 133-year history, although the school saw enrollments decline during the ], which hampered recruitment efforts.<ref>{{Cite news \|last=James \|first=Tyrenisha \|date=November 8, 2021 \|title=NSU records nine percent decrease in enrollment \|work=The Current Sauce \|url=https://purplemedianetwork.com/14015/news/nsu-records-nine-percent-decrease-in-enrollment/ \|access-date=2022-09-07}}</ref>
	]
			NSU also claims more than 70,000 alumni.

	]

	NSU was founded in 1884 as the '''Louisiana State Normal School''' to train teachers. NSU was the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in nursing and business education. It gained university status in 1970 during the administration of President ], a Northwestern alumnus who served from 1966-1978.

	NSU was one of the first six colleges to enter into ]'s ] ("JOVE"). Students worked with NASA scientists to help analyze data and do research for the 1996 ] shuttle mission.

	NSU also hosts Louisiana's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences, called the ]. The ], a state supported residential high school for sophomores, juniors and seniors, is also located on the campus. It was a brainchild of former ] ] of Natchitoches, who also attended NSU.

	NSU currently offers more than 50 degree programs and complete accreditation of all of its accreditable degree programs. Fall 2005 total enrollment was 9,847, a decline from Fall 2004's record enrollment of 10,546 that university administrators said was due to the application and enforcement of new admissions standards. NSU also claims more than 70,000 alumni.

	==History==		==History==
			], Louisiana</span>]]
			Northwestern State University stands on ground that has been dedicated to learning for well over 100 years. Before the ], a portion of the present campus was the property of the Bullard family of Natchitoches. As early as 1856, the Bullard mansion was in use as a ] by the Religious Society of the Sacred Heart. The following year, a school building was erected at the convent, and in 1884, the town and parish of Natchitoches purchased the property. Three of the four great white columns that once supported the east gable of the mansion still stand on "The Hill" and serve as the unofficial symbols of the university.<ref>{{cite report\|last=Stevens\|first=Christopher\|title=Cultural Landscape Report for National Center for Preservation Technology and Training: Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana\|date=2006\|publisher=Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, National Park Service\|location=Boston, Massachusetts\|url=https://www.nps.gov/parkhistory/online_books/olmsted/ncptt_clr.pdf\|access-date=2022-09-07}}</ref>

			In 1884, the ] by Act 51 created the Louisiana State Normal School for the preparation of teachers. Shortly thereafter, a freshman member of the ], ] of Natchitoches, offered the convent site as a campus for the school with the anticipated approval of the citizens of Natchitoches. The offer was accepted, and from 1885 to 1918, the school offered two years of study for the training of teachers. Baccalaureate programs were inaugurated, and the Louisiana Constitution of 1921 changed the name of the school to Louisiana State Normal College. In 1944, the institution's excellent service in its broader role was accorded formal recognition by Act 326 of the Legislature, which changed its name to '''Northwestern State College of Louisiana'''.
	Northwestern State University stands on ground that has been dedicated to learning for well over a hundred years. Prior to the ], a portion of the present campus was the property of the Bullard family of Natchitoches. As early as 1856, the Bullard mansion was in use as a convent by the Religious Society of the Sacred Heart. The following year a school building was erected at the ] and in 1884 the town and parish of Natchitoches purchased the property. Three of the four great white columns that once supported the east gable of the mansion still stand on “The Hill” and serve as the unofficial symbols of the university. The campus, developed upon rolling hills and high river bottomland, is acknowledged to be one of the most spacious and attractive in the South. The natural beauty of the site drew people to it even in prehistoric times. Long the home of a major Indian tribe for which it was named, the French fortified Natchitoches in 1714 as an outpost of their New World Empire facing Spanish ] to the west.

			Northwestern State maintained and strengthened its tradition of leadership in public service and academic endeavor and became, in 1954, the first college under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Board of Education to offer a master's degree. The Specialist in Education degree was first offered in 1966 and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degrees were authorized in 1967. On June 18, 1970, Governor ] signed a legislative act that brought the old campus its greatest distinction, changing its title to Northwestern State University of Louisiana. In 1980, the old campus quadrangle where the columns stand was entered into the National Register of Historic Places under the title "Normal Hill Historic District."
	In 1884, the state ] by Act 51 created the Louisiana State Normal School for the preparation of teachers. Shortly after, a member of the Legislature, ], offered the convent site as a campus for the school with the anticipated approval of the citizens of Natchitoches. The offer was accepted, and from 1885 to 1918 the Normal School offered two years of study for the training of teachers. Baccalaureate programs were inaugurated, and the State ], adopted in 1921, changed the name of the school to Louisiana State Normal College. The resources and curricula of “Normal” grew steadily to meet the increasingly diverse requirements of Louisiana’s expanding population. In 1944, the institution’s excellent service in its broader role was accorded formal recognition by Act 326 of the Legislature, which changed its name to Northwestern State College of Louisiana.

			Although primarily a regional institution, Northwestern State also offers an opportunity for education at satellite locations, including ], ], and ]. The Nursing Education Center, located in Shreveport, provides the educational environment for nursing majors enrolled in clinical courses, as well as general education courses.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.nsula.edu/studenthandbook/\|title=NSU Student Handbook\|website=nsula.edu\|access-date=March 31, 2018}}</ref>
	Northwestern maintained and strengthened its long tradition of leadership in public service and academic endeavor and became, in 1954, the first college under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Board of Education to offer the Master’s degree. The Specialist in Education degree was first offered in 1966 and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degrees were authorized in 1967. On June 18, 1970, Governor ] signed a legislative act that brought the old campus its greatest distinction, changing its title to Northwestern State University of Louisiana. In 1980, the old campus quadrangle where the columns stand was entered into the National Register of Historic Places under the title “Normal Hill Historic District.”
			] promoting the Demon Cipher Society in September 2022]]
			A large piece of limestone, known as "The Rock" was placed on campus in 2006 at a major intersection for registered student organizations to paint designs promoting their groups.<ref>{{cite web \|title=The Rock \|url=https://nsutraditions.com/our-heritage/the-rock/ \|website=NSU Traditions \|publisher=Northwestern State University of Louisiana \|access-date=July 21, 2023}}</ref> The list of student organizations available grows every semester.<ref>{{cite news \|title=NSU offers students a growing list of club sports and extracurricular activities \|url=https://www.ktbs.com/news/education/nsu-offers-students-a-growing-list-of-club-sports-and-extracurricular-activities/article_47e49cd4-11fc-11ee-a4c6-ff1f60e10bc9.html \|access-date=26 August 2023 \|work=KTBS \|date=23 June 2023 \|language=en}}</ref>

			In 2021, Marcus Jones became the first African-American President in the university's 137-year history after he was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Board of Supervisors. Four years later, in 2024, he was succeeded by Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice James Genovese.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2021-11-09 \|title=Northwestern State University of Louisiana Chooses Its 1st Black President in Its 137-Year History \|language=en \|url=https://www.theroot.com/northwestern-state-university-of-louisiana-chooses-its-1848025886 \|url-status=live \|access-date=2023-08-26 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230205162341/https://www.theroot.com/northwestern-state-university-of-louisiana-chooses-its-1848025886 \|archive-date=2023-02-05}}</ref>
	Although primarily a regional institution, Northwestern also offers an opportunity for education at other satellite locations, including ], ], and ]. In addition to academics, these centers are also developing student life programs. The Nursing Education Center, located in Shreveport, provides the educational environment for nursing majors enrolled in clinical courses as well as general education courses. The Center houses departments administering masters, baccalaureate and associate degree programs. The campus includes state-of-the-art academic facilities, office space for faculty and staff, a bookstore, and facilities for activities and organizations.

	] was president of NSU from 1934-1941. He was later a member of the ] and the private secretary on two occasions to ] ]. Fredericks obtained his teaching credentials from Northwestern "Normal" in 1912. The A.A. Fredericks Auditorium on campus commemorates his memory.

	] of Natchitoches, for whom the NSU library is named, was head ] and professor of ] from 1940 until his death in 1964. He founded ], the national library science fraternity. The group held its first biennial convention on the NSU campus in 1952.

	The ] history of NSU (1884-1984) was published by the NSU Press in 1985 by the ] ], who taught forty-five years at the institution, from 1963 until her sudden death in 2009.

	===The Legend of Isabella===

	Isabella was a young French maiden, renowned for her beauty, who once lived in the original Bullard mansion after the Bullards were gone. The young lady had many suitors but preferred the company of a young man from the East, sent to Louisiana on business. They fell in love and were to be married. Shortly before the wedding date arrived, the young man was killed in a duel. Legend has it that the duel concerned a dispute over another woman.

	Isabella, overcome by grief, became a nun, and the French maiden’s beauty wasted away through constant mourning of her intended. Everyone believed she had gone mad from grief and mourning. One stormy night she ended her mourning by plunging a dagger into her heart. Soon after she was found dead in her room, with a bloody handprint on the wall.

	Her spirit roamed Bullard mansion until it was torn down. Since then she has roamed various buildings on campus. She lived in East Hall until it was torn down in 1926. This was evidenced by the eyewitness accounts of girls who lived in East Hall. From there, Isabella's spirit moved to the Music Hall and resided there until 1948 then that building was also torn down. Just before the Music Hall was dismantled, a group of young men, dressed in sheets, coaxed Isabella from the doomed building.

	From there she wandered aimlessly around campus from building to building (including East Varnado) for almost three years, until, becoming weary, she chose Caldwell Hall as her next residence. Speculation has it that Caldwell was chosen because of its close proximity to the original Bullard dwelling. According to newspaper articles, the official date of the move was January 15, 1949. Reportedly a letter from the ghost was found on the steps of Caldwell along with a few drops of blood.

	Isabella's current residence is the Old Women’s Gym located on College Avenue beside Varnado Hall. When Caldwell Hall burned in October 1982, a group of 750 students gathered and performed a ceremony on Halloween night that aided Isabella in her transition to her present location.

	===Vic the Demon===		===Vic the Demon===
	On November 8, 1922, by proclamation of President V. L. Roy and Coach H. Lee Prather, all athletic teams became known as the Demons. The name was decided upon by a contest open to all students with a grand prize of $10. A committee was appointed by the ~~President~~ to narrow down the names submitted by the student body. The final selection was decided by a vote of the students. The two most popular choices were Braves and Demons. Among other names submitted by students were Sharks, Daredevils, Musketeers, Pelicans, ~~Prather’s~~ Ground Hogs, Bloodhounds, Cyclops and Serpents. The official winners were Aileen Ritter and Truett Scarborough.		On November 8, 1922, by proclamation of President V. L. Roy and Coach ], all athletic teams became known as the Demons. The name was decided upon by a contest open to all students, with a grand prize of $10. A committee was appointed by the president to narrow down the names submitted by the student body. The final selection was decided by a vote of the students. The two most popular choices were Braves and Demons. Among other names submitted by students were Sharks, Daredevils, Musketeers, Pelicans, Prather's Ground Hogs, Bloodhounds, Cyclops, and Serpents. The official winners were Aileen Ritter and Truett Scarborough.

	On September 22, 1984, the Demon received his official given name ~~by means of~~ another contest sponsored by the ~~Athletic~~ ~~Department~~. The contest was open to faculty, staff, and students. The objective: to find a name for the Demon. Over 300 entries were submitted to the committee. The grand prize was an all ~~expense~~ paid weekend at the Louisiana State Fair Classic. Ray Carney, an alumnus of the university, was the official winner with "Vic," which is short for "Victory".		On September 22, 1984, the Demon received his official given name using another contest sponsored by the athletic department. The contest was open to faculty, staff, and students. The objective was to find a name for the Demon. Over 300 entries were submitted to the committee. The grand prize was an all-expenses-paid weekend at the Louisiana State Fair Classic. Ray Carney, an alumnus of the university, was the official winner with "Vic", which is short for "Victory".

	===Jim Croce===		===Jim Croce===
	] ] died in a plane crash hours after finishing a 1973 concert on the NSU campus.		Singer-songwriter ] died in a plane crash hours after finishing a 1973 concert on the NSU campus.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.biography.com/people/jim-croce-20872021\|title=Jim Croce Biography\|access-date=October 15, 2015\|website=Biography.com\|publisher=A&E Television Networks}}</ref>

	==Student media==		==Student media==
			===Newspaper and yearbook===
	Its student-run weekly ], ''The Current Sauce'', was founded in 1914. Its annual student-run yearbook is called ''The Potpourri''. There is also a student-run ] station, KNWD "The Demon" 91.7FM, and a faculty-administrated and student-operated local television station, NSU22, on which can be found daily student-produced newscasts.
			Northwestern's online news source with occasional printed special editions, ''The Current Sauce'', was founded in 1914.<ref>{{Cite web \|last=Portillo Cantarero \|first=Lia \|date=May 31, 2023 \|title=Letter from The Current Sauce: Welcome to NSU \|url=https://purplemedianetwork.com/16111/showcase/letter-from-the-current-sauce-welcome-to-nsu/ \|access-date=July 20, 2023 \|website=Purple Media Network}}</ref> In 2021, the newspaper and campus radio station, ], merged their news operations into a shared digital platform, "Purple Media Network."<ref>{{Cite news \|last=Jackson \|first=Leah \|date=2021-09-27 \|title=NSU Student Media transitions to Purple Media Network \|work=Natchitoches Times \|url=https://www.natchitochestimes.com/2021/09/28/nsu-student-media-transitions-to-purple-media-network/ \|access-date=2022-09-07}}</ref> Its annual student-run yearbook is called ''The Potpourri''.<ref>{{Cite web \|title=NSU Student Media: Potpourri \|url=https://www.nsula.edu/newmedia/student-media/the-potpourri/ \|access-date=2022-09-07 \|website=NSU Student Media}}</ref>

			===Radio and television===
			The student-run radio station is The Demon (] 91.7 FM)<ref>{{cite web \|url=http://www.knwdradio.org/ \|title=Home \|website=knwdradio.org}}</ref> and a faculty-administered and student-operated local television station is NSU22, on which can be found biweekly student-produced newscasts.

			===Literary magazine===
	NSU's literary magazine is called ''The Argus''. It is student-run and published during the spring semester. The magazine content is provided by competitions in various fields of writing and artwork.		NSU's literary magazine is called ''The Argus''. It is student-run and published during the spring semester. The magazine content is provided by competitions in various fields of writing and artwork.
			==Music==

			The ''Spirit of Northwestern'' marching band features over 300 members each year, with membership open to any major and classification of student. Their uniforms are purple and white with a thin orange stripe. Other bands at Northwestern are the Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, numerous chamber groups, and the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra.
	==Athletics==		==Athletics==
	~~'''~~{{Main ~~article~~\|Northwestern State Demons}}~~'''~~		{{Main\|Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons}}
			The Northwestern State athletic teams go by the Demons, with women's athletic teams generally called the Lady Demons, and its mascot is ]. The university is a member of the ] (NCAA) and competes in the ] at the ] level. Northwestern State sponsors 12 varsity athletic teams, five men's teams and seven women's teams.<ref>{{cite web\|title=Northwestern State University Athletics\|url=http://nsudemons.com/index.aspx\|access-date=May 24, 2012}}</ref> The official list of sports changes by semester as new groups are approved.<ref>{{Cite news \|date=2023-06-23 \|title=NSU offers students a growing list of club sports and extracurricular activities \|language=en \|url=https://www.ktbs.com/news/education/nsu-offers-students-a-growing-list-of-club-sports-and-extracurricular-activities/article_47e49cd4-11fc-11ee-a4c6-ff1f60e10bc9.html \|access-date=2023-08-26 \|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230627040243/https://www.ktbs.com/news/education/nsu-offers-students-a-growing-list-of-club-sports-and-extracurricular-activities/article_47e49cd4-11fc-11ee-a4c6-ff1f60e10bc9.html \|archive-date=2023-06-27}}</ref>

	==Greek life==
	===Sororities===
	====National Panhellenic Conference Affiliates====
	* ] 1927 (closed 1985)
	* ] 1928
	* ] 1930-1971; reinstalled 2002
	* ] 1959 (closed 1963)
	* ] 1959 (closed 1995)
	* ] 1968
	* ] 1997

	====National Pan-Hellenic Council Affiliates====
	* ] 1973

	* ] (Closed 1979. Reinstalled 1990)

	* ]

	* ] 1974

	* ]

	====Music Sororities====
	* ] 1987

	===Fraternities===
	====National Pan-Hellenic Council Affiliates====
	* ] 1973
	* ]
	* ] 1975
	* ] 1973

	====North-American Interfraternity Conference Affiliates====
	* ] 1956
	* ] 1957
	* ] 1963
	* ] 1966
	* ] 1973
	* ] 1997
	* ] (closed 2004)
	* ] 1929 (closed 1991)

	====Music Fraternities====
	* ] 1942
	* ] 1986
	* ] 1950
	<ref>http://www.sigmaalphaiota.org/home/</ref>

	==Lady of the Bracelet pageant==
	The '''Lady of the Bracelet''' pageant (commonly referred to as LOB) is a long-standing competition which scholarships are awarded to female students. The first place winner of the pageant is awarded the title of "Lady of the Bracelet" for one year.

	The program is under the direction of the Director of Student Activities and the Assistant Director of Student Activities of Northwestern State University. Contestants compete in several categories including interview, evening wear, and swimsuit competition. In addition to being bestowed the title of "Lady of the Bracelet" for the following year, the first place contestant receives a full scholarship and goes on to compete in the ] pageant, which can ultimately result in a berth to the ] pageant. It is traditionally held during on the first Friday in February.

	In the early 1920s, the Potpourri, Northwestern’s yearbook, sponsored the first beauty pageant held on the university campus. The contestants were selected from photographs submitted to well-known producers for judgment and were chosen for their charm and beauty. In 1958, Miss Kahne Dipola was crowned the first Miss Lady of the Bracelet and she received a gold bracelet to wear when she represented the university in public. Over the years, the bracelet has been passed down to each holder of the title.

	Through the efforts of Mr. Robert W. Wilson, Sr., the Student Union Governing Board purchased the first franchise from the Miss Louisiana Pageant in 1971, enabling Northwestern’s Lady of the Bracelet to enter the state contest. The Student Activities Board, formerly the Student Union Governing Board, has continued the tradition of sponsoring the Lady of the Bracelet Pageant for the enjoyment of the Northwestern community. The Lady of the Bracelet pageant has gained state recognition for production, scholarship, and quality of contestants.

	The current Lady of the Bracelet is Brittany Pippin.

	==ROTC Program==

			==Archive==
	With an agreement signed between Northwestern State College and the Department of the United States Army, an anti-aircraft field artillery unit of the Reserve Officers Training Corps was established in the fall of 1950. In August 1950, the building to house the ROTC unit was authorized.
			NSU maintains an archive through the Cammie G. Henry Research Center. Collections cover a diversity of individuals and topics. Materials may be accessed on such figures as ], the pioneering woman television personality at ] in ];<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://library.nsula.edu/assets/CGHRC_Finding/odumethma.htm\|title=Ethma Odum Collection\|publisher=Northwestern State University in ], Louisiana\|access-date=June 2, 2014\|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100722224515/https://library.nsula.edu/assets/CGHRC_Finding/odumethma.htm\|archive-date=July 22, 2010\|url-status=dead}}</ref> ], ], ], ], and the ].<ref>{{cite web\|url=https://library.nsula.edu/cammie-henry-research-center/\|title=Cammie G. Henry Research Center \|publisher=library.nsula.edu\|access-date=June 2, 2014}}</ref>
	The new military science program, under President Prather, enrolled its first students in the fall of 1950 with one officer and five enlisted men on the staff. By the end of the 1950-51 academic year 220 men had selected military training and the future of the program looked promising.
	In 1965, NSC under President Kyser signed an agreement with the department of Army stating that the Military Science Senior ROTC program would be provided with a university secretary, armory, and utilities.
	The NSU ROTC Department and the Joint Readiness Training Center at Fort Polk, Louisiana mutually support Cadet Command by identifying quality soldiers with officer potential and in assisting them in transition from active duty under the college ROTC Green to Gold program.
	The NSU ROTC Demon Battalion has commissioned nearly 1000 Second Lieutenants in to the United States Armed Services. Quite a few graduates have become distinguished Army Officers, including several General Officers.
	A Hall of Fame was begun in 1983. Portraits and biographies of the Hall of Fame members are on permanent display in the ROTC office foyer .
	NSU ROTC cadets have been selected to attend specialty schools in Germany and at West Point. Cadets have also participated in ceremonies commemorating the Bataan March in New Mexico, and supporting the Habitat for Humanity and Loggers Conventions.
	During the past two years, several renovation projects have been completed. The cadets have been able to enjoy a TV lounge, kitchen area and game room to include a billiards, ping pong and foosball.
	Notably, five NSU ROTC commissioned officers have been inducted into NSU’s highest Hall of Distinction, the Long Purple Line.

	==Notable alumni==		==Notable alumni==
			{{Main\|List of Northwestern State University alumni}}
	] nursing program in Shreveport.</font size=2>]]

			==Notable faculty and administrators==
	*] (born 1941), Class of 1967, ] developer and retired ] in ]
			* ], president of NSU and U.S. representative for ]
			* ], english professor and ] activist
			* ], professor of law & Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
			* ], poet
			* ], professor of speech and head of the forensics department, president of Louisiana Tech

			==References==
	*] (1912-2004), Class of 1935, real estate developer and former ] of ], Louisiana
			{{Reflist\|30em}}

	*], ] owner and ] member of the ] from ], obtained his ] degree in upper elementary education from Northwestern.

	*] (1933-2010), was an ] who developed the Natchitoches Historic District and served as mayor from 1976-1980

	*], Louisiana Republican national committeewoman from 1964-1968, began her studies at Northwestern in 1931 but graduated from ].

	*Historian ], author of more than two dozen books on American ], the space program, ], ] drilling, and the history of ] obtained his ] degree from Northwestern in 1960.

	*Former ] and Education Superintendent ] graduated from then Louisiana Normal in 1934, the year that A.A. Fredericks became the president.

	*] (1935-1998) and his wife, ], graduated from NSU. Eash has served as a state representative from ] and were formerly on the faculty of ].

	*], a Louisiana state representative from ], ], ], and ] parishes, began his studies at NSU in agriculture education but graduated in that same field from ].

	*], retired ] who served in both houses of the Louisiana legislature, the House from 1960-1964 and the state Senate from 1972-1976

	*], the ] of the Louisiana House during the ], ] case of 1929 and later ] and associate and ] of the ], received his teaching degree from Northwestern in 1915.

	*Another Northwestern alumnus is former Elections Commissioner and convicted ] ], a ] native.

	*], former NSU president and a state legislator, procured his teaching credentials from NSU in 1912. The A.A. Fredericks Auditorium is named in his honor.

	*NSU alumnus ] (1940-2007) served as ] of nearby ] from 1984 until his death. He was credit with securing a new bridge over the ] to connect Louisiana and Texas

	*Former ] ] is an NSU alumnus. He then procured his law degree from ] in ].

	*Still another political figure who graduated from NSU is State Senator ], a ] member of the ] political ].

	*] and State Senator ] (1928-2006) graduated with his bachelors degree in history from NSU in 1951. He later procured his law degree from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge. Mr. Long was inducted posthumously into Northwestern State University's "Long Purple Line" on October 24, 2008. Northwestern State University established The Long Purple Line in 1990 to provide recognition and appreciation to former N.S.U. students whose career accomplishments or service to their fellow man have enhanced the reputation of the university.

	*], Louisiana historian graduated from NSU and served as NSU president on a one-year interim basis. Most of his career was at Louisiana Tech University.

	*] ], who has represents ] from 1984-1996 and again since 2000, graduated from NSU.

	*], president of the ] (ULS) and formerly president of ] received his ] from Northwestern State University of Louisiana.<ref></ref>

	*] (1941-2001), a football star at NSU in 1962 and 1963, later played with the ]. At the time of his death, he was the administrator of the De Soto Parish Police Jury. He was among the 100 Top Football Players at NSU, as announced in July 2007 as part of the ] celebration of the football team.

	*] played football at Northwestern State University after transferring from Louisiana State University in 1978. He later went on to be on coaching staffs at Northwestern State University, ], ], ], ], ], ], The ], and the ]. As of 2009 he is the Assistant Head Coach and Defensive Line Coach for the ] and also serves as the recruiting co-ordinator.

	*], the Louisiana historian who co-authored with Michal Kurtz a definitive study of Governor ], received his Bachelor of Arts degree from NSU, and later taught for twenty years at Louisiana Tech University.

	*], former ] of the ] from ] and current ] for the state Department of Education, graduated from NSU in 1965 and later procured a ] from the institution.

	*NSU alumnus ] served as mayor of Natchitoches from 1960-1976 and worked to procure university status and expanded facilities for the institution.

	*] (1937-2008) was a founding faculty member of ] and served on the Bossier Parish Police Jury from 1992 until his death of ]. He pursued graduate studies at Northwestern.

	*] is the first woman to have served as a principal, school superintendent, and a member of the ] from Bossier Parish. A ] native, she received bachelor's and master's degrees in education from NSU.

	*], a former state senator (1996-2008) graduated from NSU in agribusiness in 1970. He is co-owner of P.K. Smith Motors in Winnfield.<ref>{{cite web\|url=http://www.thepineywoods.com/MSmithJan08.htm\|title=Tom Kelly, "New trade school OK’d in Winn: 'Gold Star' in career, says retiring State Senator Mike Smith"\|publisher=thepineywoods.com\|accessdate=October 29, 2009}}</ref>

	*] (born 1941), former Republican state representative from ] and author of the ], received his ] in education from NSU in 1962.<ref>"House District 35", ''Louisiana Encyclopedia'' (1999)</ref>

	*], state representative from Natchitoches Parish from 2000-2008, received a Bachelor of Science degree from NSU.

	*] was a ] officer during ] and a Republican candidate for the United States House of Representatives in 1964. He also taught military science at Northwestern during the early 1960s.

	*] (1991), ] vice president in charge of claims in the ] who is featured in many BP commercials.

	*] (born 1941), a state representative from ] and an ] candidate for the ] in 2010, attended NSU.

	*Successful athletic alumni are Miles Durham, Terrance McGee, David Pittman, Craig Nall, LeMark Carter, Kenta Bell, ], Brian Brown, Brian Lawrence, and Latrell Frederick

	==Notable NSU faculty==

	*] (1907-1984), education professor and regional ], taught at NSU from 1940-1942 before entering the United States Army, later at Louisiana Tech University from 1954-1972
	*] (1907-1989), English professor and ] activist, at NSU from 1955-1959
	*] (born 1952), poet
	*] (1936-2009), Louisiana historian
	*Donald M. Rawson (born 1925), historian of the ] United States; graduate school dean, at NSU from 1960-1984

	==External links==		==External links==
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	==References==
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			{{Natchitoches, Louisiana}}
			{{Education in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana}}
	{{Public universities and colleges in Louisiana}}		{{Public universities and colleges in Louisiana}}
	{{Southland Conference}}		{{Southland Conference navbox}}

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Latest revision as of 01:28, 29 July 2024

Public university in Natchitoches, Louisiana, US "Northwestern State" redirects here. For the former administrative division of Nigeria, see North-Western State. For universities with a similar name, see Northwestern University (disambiguation).

Northwestern State University of Louisiana

Former names	Louisiana State Normal School (1884–1944) Northwestern State College of Louisiana (1944–1970)
Motto	Dedicated to one goal. Yours.
Type	Public university
Established	1884; 141 years ago (1884)
Parent institution	UL System
Academic affiliations	Space-grant
Endowment	$20.8 million (2021)
President	James T. Genovese
Students	9,389 (2022)
Location	Natchitoches, Louisiana, United States 31°45′00″N 93°05′50″W / 31.750°N 93.0972°W / 31.750; -93.0972
Campus	Rural, 916 acres (371 ha)
Colors	Purple and White Orange accent
Nickname	Demons / Lady Demons
Sporting affiliations	NCAA Division I FCS – Southland
Mascot	Vic the Demon
Website	www.nsula.edu

Northwestern State University of Louisiana (NSULA) is a public university primarily situated in Natchitoches, Louisiana, with a nursing campus in Shreveport and general campuses in Leesville/Fort Johnson and Alexandria. It is a part of the University of Louisiana System.

NSU was founded in 1884 as the Louisiana State Normal School. It was the first school in Louisiana to offer degree programs in nursing and business education. NSU, along with numerous other state colleges, gained university status in 1970 during the administration of President Arnold R. Kilpatrick, a Northwestern State alumnus who served from 1966 to 1978. Kilpatrick succeeded the 12-year president, John S. Kyser, a native of El Paso, Illinois.

NSU was one of the first six colleges to enter into NASA's Joint Venture Program. Students worked with NASA scientists to help analyze data and do research for the 1996 Space Shuttle Columbia shuttle mission. NSU also hosts the Louisiana Scholars' College, Louisiana's designated honors college in the liberal arts and sciences. The Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts, a state-supported residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, is also located on the campus. It was a brainchild of former State Representative Jimmy D. Long of Natchitoches, who also attended NSU.

NSU offers more than 50 degree programs. Fall 2018 total enrollment was 11,081, the largest in the university's 133-year history, although the school saw enrollments decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, which hampered recruitment efforts. NSU also claims more than 70,000 alumni.

History

Northwestern State University stands on ground that has been dedicated to learning for well over 100 years. Before the American Civil War, a portion of the present campus was the property of the Bullard family of Natchitoches. As early as 1856, the Bullard mansion was in use as a convent by the Religious Society of the Sacred Heart. The following year, a school building was erected at the convent, and in 1884, the town and parish of Natchitoches purchased the property. Three of the four great white columns that once supported the east gable of the mansion still stand on "The Hill" and serve as the unofficial symbols of the university.

In 1884, the Louisiana State Legislature by Act 51 created the Louisiana State Normal School for the preparation of teachers. Shortly thereafter, a freshman member of the Louisiana House of Representatives, Leopold Caspari of Natchitoches, offered the convent site as a campus for the school with the anticipated approval of the citizens of Natchitoches. The offer was accepted, and from 1885 to 1918, the school offered two years of study for the training of teachers. Baccalaureate programs were inaugurated, and the Louisiana Constitution of 1921 changed the name of the school to Louisiana State Normal College. In 1944, the institution's excellent service in its broader role was accorded formal recognition by Act 326 of the Legislature, which changed its name to Northwestern State College of Louisiana.

Northwestern State maintained and strengthened its tradition of leadership in public service and academic endeavor and became, in 1954, the first college under the jurisdiction of the Louisiana State Board of Education to offer a master's degree. The Specialist in Education degree was first offered in 1966 and the Doctor of Philosophy in Education degrees were authorized in 1967. On June 18, 1970, Governor John J. McKeithen signed a legislative act that brought the old campus its greatest distinction, changing its title to Northwestern State University of Louisiana. In 1980, the old campus quadrangle where the columns stand was entered into the National Register of Historic Places under the title "Normal Hill Historic District."

Although primarily a regional institution, Northwestern State also offers an opportunity for education at satellite locations, including Leesville, Shreveport, and Alexandria. The Nursing Education Center, located in Shreveport, provides the educational environment for nursing majors enrolled in clinical courses, as well as general education courses.

A large piece of limestone, known as "The Rock" was placed on campus in 2006 at a major intersection for registered student organizations to paint designs promoting their groups. The list of student organizations available grows every semester.

In 2021, Marcus Jones became the first African-American President in the university's 137-year history after he was unanimously approved by the Louisiana Board of Supervisors. Four years later, in 2024, he was succeeded by Louisiana Supreme Court Associate Justice James Genovese.

Vic the Demon

On November 8, 1922, by proclamation of President V. L. Roy and Coach H. Lee Prather, all athletic teams became known as the Demons. The name was decided upon by a contest open to all students, with a grand prize of $10. A committee was appointed by the president to narrow down the names submitted by the student body. The final selection was decided by a vote of the students. The two most popular choices were Braves and Demons. Among other names submitted by students were Sharks, Daredevils, Musketeers, Pelicans, Prather's Ground Hogs, Bloodhounds, Cyclops, and Serpents. The official winners were Aileen Ritter and Truett Scarborough.

On September 22, 1984, the Demon received his official given name using another contest sponsored by the athletic department. The contest was open to faculty, staff, and students. The objective was to find a name for the Demon. Over 300 entries were submitted to the committee. The grand prize was an all-expenses-paid weekend at the Louisiana State Fair Classic. Ray Carney, an alumnus of the university, was the official winner with "Vic", which is short for "Victory".

Jim Croce

Singer-songwriter Jim Croce died in a plane crash hours after finishing a 1973 concert on the NSU campus.

Student media

Newspaper and yearbook

Northwestern's online news source with occasional printed special editions, The Current Sauce, was founded in 1914. In 2021, the newspaper and campus radio station, KNWD, merged their news operations into a shared digital platform, "Purple Media Network." Its annual student-run yearbook is called The Potpourri.

Radio and television

The student-run radio station is The Demon (KNWD 91.7 FM) and a faculty-administered and student-operated local television station is NSU22, on which can be found biweekly student-produced newscasts.

Literary magazine

NSU's literary magazine is called The Argus. It is student-run and published during the spring semester. The magazine content is provided by competitions in various fields of writing and artwork.

Music

The Spirit of Northwestern marching band features over 300 members each year, with membership open to any major and classification of student. Their uniforms are purple and white with a thin orange stripe. Other bands at Northwestern are the Pep Band, Symphonic Band, Wind Symphony, Wind Ensemble, Jazz Ensemble, numerous chamber groups, and the Natchitoches-Northwestern Symphony Orchestra.

Athletics

Main article: Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons

The Northwestern State athletic teams go by the Demons, with women's athletic teams generally called the Lady Demons, and its mascot is Vic the Demon. The university is a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and competes in the Southland Conference at the NCAA Division I level. Northwestern State sponsors 12 varsity athletic teams, five men's teams and seven women's teams. The official list of sports changes by semester as new groups are approved.

Notable alumni

Main article: List of Northwestern State University alumni

Notable faculty and administrators

James B. Aswell, president of NSU and U.S. representative for Louisiana's 8th congressional district
Medford Bryan Evans, english professor and conservative activist
Mike Johnson, professor of law & Speaker of the United States House of Representatives
Julie Kane, poet
Ralph L. Ropp, professor of speech and head of the forensics department, president of Louisiana Tech

References

"Data USA: Northwestern State University of Louisiana". Data USA. October 21, 2023.
James, Tyrenisha (November 17, 2021). "Marcus Jones chosen as 20th president of NSU". Purple Media Network. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
Northwestern State University Visual Branding Guidelines (PDF). May 13, 2015. Retrieved May 5, 2017.
"Northwestern State of Louisiana". Northwestern State University of Louisiana. February 9, 1997. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
Kyser, John S. "A Dictionary of Louisiana Biography". lahistory.org. Louisiana Historical Association. Archived from the original on December 1, 2010. Retrieved December 27, 2010.
James, Tyrenisha (November 8, 2021). "NSU records nine percent decrease in enrollment". The Current Sauce. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
Stevens, Christopher (2006). Cultural Landscape Report for National Center for Preservation Technology and Training: Northwestern State University, Natchitoches, Louisiana (PDF) (Report). Boston, Massachusetts: Olmsted Center for Landscape Preservation, National Park Service. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
"NSU Student Handbook". nsula.edu. Retrieved March 31, 2018.
"The Rock". NSU Traditions. Northwestern State University of Louisiana. Retrieved July 21, 2023.
"NSU offers students a growing list of club sports and extracurricular activities". KTBS. June 23, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
"Northwestern State University of Louisiana Chooses Its 1st Black President in Its 137-Year History". November 9, 2021. Archived from the original on February 5, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
"Jim Croce Biography". Biography.com. A&E Television Networks. Retrieved October 15, 2015.
Portillo Cantarero, Lia (May 31, 2023). "Letter from The Current Sauce: Welcome to NSU". Purple Media Network. Retrieved July 20, 2023.
Jackson, Leah (September 27, 2021). "NSU Student Media transitions to Purple Media Network". Natchitoches Times. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
"NSU Student Media: Potpourri". NSU Student Media. Retrieved September 7, 2022.
"Home". knwdradio.org.
"Northwestern State University Athletics". Retrieved May 24, 2012.
"NSU offers students a growing list of club sports and extracurricular activities". June 23, 2023. Archived from the original on June 27, 2023. Retrieved August 26, 2023.
"Ethma Odum Collection". Northwestern State University in Natchitoches, Louisiana. Archived from the original on July 22, 2010. Retrieved June 2, 2014.
"Cammie G. Henry Research Center". library.nsula.edu. Retrieved June 2, 2014.

External links

v t e Northwestern State University
Campus	H. Alvin Brown–C. C. Stroud Field Harry Turpin Stadium Lady Demon Diamond Louisiana Scholars' College Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts NCPTT Prather Coliseum
Athletics	Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons Baseball Men's basketball Women's basketball Football Softball
Media	KNWD
Student life	Marathon Rowing Championship Vic the Demon

v t e City of Natchitoches
Areas	Natchitoches Historic District
Education	Natchitoches Parish School Board Natchitoches Central HS St. Mary's High School Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts Northwestern State University Template
Landmarks	Basilica of the Immaculate Conception Natchitoches National Fish Hatchery
Transportation	Natchitoches Regional Airport
Culture	Cane River Natchitoches Christmas Festival Natchitoches meat pie
This list is incomplete.

v t e Education in Natchitoches Parish, Louisiana
High schools
Natchitoches Parish SB	Natchitoches Central HS Lakeview Jr.-Sr. HS
State	Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts
Private	St. Mary's High School
Tertiary
Universities	Northwestern State University Template

v t e Public colleges and universities in Louisiana
Research universities	Louisiana State University Louisiana Tech University University of Louisiana at Lafayette University of Louisiana at Monroe University of New Orleans
Comprehensive universities	Grambling State University Louisiana State University of Alexandria Louisiana State University Shreveport McNeese State University Nicholls State University Northwestern State University Southeastern Louisiana University Southern University Southern University at New Orleans
Specialized centers	LSU Health Sciences Center New Orleans LSU Health Sciences Center Shreveport Paul M. Hebert Law Center Southern University Law Center
Community and technical colleges	Baton Rouge Community College Bossier Parish Community College Delgado Community College L. E. Fletcher Technical Community College Louisiana Delta Community College Louisiana State University at Eunice Louisiana Technical College Northwest Louisiana Technical College Nunez Community College River Parishes Community College South Louisiana Community College Southern University at Shreveport Sowela Technical Community College

v t e Southland Conference
Members	East Texas A&M Lions Houston Christian Huskies Incarnate Word Cardinals Lamar Cardinals and Lady Cardinals McNeese Cowboys and Cowgirls Nicholls Colonels New Orleans Privateers Northwestern State Demons and Lady Demons Southeastern Louisiana Lions and Lady Lions Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks and Ladyjacks Texas A&M–Corpus Christi Islanders UTRGV Vaqueros (adding football in 2025)
Beach volleyball-only members	Boise State Broncos San Jose State Spartans
Golf-only members	Augusta Jaguars (men & women) Francis Marion Patriots (men)
Tennis-only members	NJIT Highlanders (men & women)
Multi-sport affiliate	Bryant Bulldogs (men's & women's golf and tennis)
Related entities	Southland Bowling League (2015–2023)

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