NEWS RELEASE

Contact: David West (west@nsula.edu )
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466

7/19/2004

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-As Northwestern State University has grown, the institution hasn't lost sight of the importance of the individual student. Remaining a responsive, student-oriented institution is one of the main priorities of Northwestern President Dr. Randall J. Webb.

"Northwestern has made great strides in providing an outstanding education for its students and providing programs and services which help them work toward a college degree. Our goal is to continue to do a better job," said Webb, who is beginning his ninth year as president. "Each day I work to make Northwestern better and challenge all who work here to do the same."

In academics, Northwestern is reviewing services offered by Watson Library on the Natchitoches campus and the libraries at each campus. A search for a new director of libraries is proceeding.

"Our objective is to look at our libraries and consider ways in which they can better serve the academic community," said Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anthony Scheffler. "We want those associated with the libraries along with patrons to think in new ways about what the academic libraries can be."

Scheffler said Northwestern's administration is also looking at ways to better allocate faculty teaching loads.

"Some faculty are carrying too big of a teaching load," said Scheffler. "That is in addition to maintaining office hours, research and responsibilities on university committees."

Last fall, NSU recorded a record enrollment of 10,505. The university has also improved its retention and graduation rate. During the past academic year, Northwestern awarded degrees to 1,538 students, the most in any academic year in school history.

According to Webb, Northwestern officials closely examine the annual student survey administered by the American College Testing Service to determine how to improve the university.

"The ACT survey is the best way to find out what students really think," said Webb. "For the past three years, our rating in the category of 'This college in general' has gone up, but there are always areas in which we can do better."

Many of the areas are outside of the classroom and can make a difference in whether a student remains at NSU.

According to Webb, Northwestern has placed a priority on improving academic advising. As part of the advising process, faculty work with students to help them find the best academic major and earn a degree as quickly as possible.

The university has improved its financial aid operation over the past five years. The Office of Financial Aid received a Quality Assurance designation from the U.S. Department of Education. The designation is awarded to financial aid offices which continually meet the needs of their students. NSU is the only Louisiana college or university to gain this achievement.

Northwestern also simplified its billing and fee payment system, making many services available online and eliminating long lines at fee payment.

"Having an outstanding financial aid and billing/fee payment system is very important," said Webb. "If students cannot get their questions answered quickly or get a solution to their problem, they will find a college or university which will help them."

Northwestern is also working to improve its student housing, which is used by more than 2,000 students on its Natchitoches campus. Six firms will make presentations to the university which will include the options of demolishing current residence halls and constructing new student housing, renovating existing housing or providing management services for residence halls.

"Improving residence halls is an important issue for our students," said Webb. "We are working to provide a solution that meets their needs and provides them with the best possible living/learning environment."

Renovation projects for Morrison Hall and the Family and Consumer Sciences Building were completed during the past year, providing students with two "state of the art" facilities. Construction is also progressing on the $6.9 million Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center at the site of the former Intramural Building. The project should be complete by early in 2005.

"I can't wait to dedicate that building," said Webb. "Our students will be amazed at the transformation of that facility. The Wellness Center will be one of the jewels of the campus and will help us attract students to Northwestern."

NSU's Physical Plant also completed work which spruced up Kyser Hall with improved lighting and repainting. Improvements are also planned for Noe Hall, which houses the Department of Military Science.

The university added a parking lot near the A.A. Fredericks Center for Creative and Performing Arts last year and plans to add another lot near the Wellness Center. Resurfacing of the parking lot near Sabine Hall is also planned.

Main Menu