Partnerships

View the Pilgrim's Pride news release:

Northwestern State University strives to create successful partnerships to promote economic development in our community.  NSU is committed to creating and providing learning opportunities that respond to the constantly changing needs of corporations, organizations, and individuals.  The primary objective of the Office of Electronic and Continuing Education is to design, develop, and deliver a variety of educational programs to meet the learning needs of a diverse population.  To that end, Northwestern has formed alliances with area businesses to better serve the educational needs of the companies and their employees. 

Pilgrim's Pride Partnership:

Northwestern State University’s Office of Electronic and Continuing Education entered into an educational partnership with Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation (PPC) on June 14, 2006.  This partnership will allow the employees of PPC to earn a degree, in any academic discipline area, either face-to-face or online in accordance with the Tuition Reimbursement Program proposed by NSU.  The Office of Electronic and Continuing Education (ECE) formed this partnership starting with the local PPC facility in Natchitoches, LA and Julie Post, Continuous Improvement Advisor.  Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation places a strong value on the continual improvement of their business as well as their employees, otherwise known as “partners”.  The CI vision of PPC is listed as “Every Partner ‘Walking the Talk’ of Continuous Improvement.”  Also, Pilgrim’s Pride has a set of 14 standards, or points, of Continuous Improvement with one of them being “Institute Education and Self-Improvement” – this is where we, at NSU, become a part of the process.

Not only will the Office of Electronic and Continuing Education have local on-site registrations three times per year at the plant in Natchitoches, but NSU will also be offering educational services, with the benefit of the Tuition Reimbursement Program, to all employees corporation-wide via our accredited online courses and degree programs.  There are over 40,000 employees in 71 locations across the United States, Mexico, and Puerto Rico that will be able to experience the same educational benefits offered by NSU and Pilgrim’s Pride as those that may elect to take courses face-to-face on one of NSU’s campuses.  The portal to NSU found on the Pilgrim’s Pride website will allow its employees direct access to everything they need to make the most of their educational experience before, during, and after their journey.