NEWS RELEASE

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

10/07/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-Several recent changes in Northwestern State University's Division of Enrollment Services should better prepare the university for new admissions standards which take effect in the fall of 2005.

The Office of Admissions and Recruiting is now known as the Office of University Recruiting. According to Acting Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Anthony Scheffler, Northwestern will expand its recruiting efforts from focusing on high school seniors. The Office of University Recruiting will seek to attract graduate students, transfer students, non-traditional freshman as well as students for the Louisiana Scholars' College.

Jana Lucky has been named director of university recruiting. April Jordan will become assistant director of university recruiting for high school relations and Luke Dowden will be assistant director of university recruiting for graduate and adult studies. Jamila Maxie is the new assistant director of university recruiting for the Louisiana Scholars' College.

"This new mission will put Northwestern on the leading edge among Louisiana colleges and universities in student recruitment," said Director of University Recruiting Lucky. "These changes will help Northwestern as we prepare for new admissions standards which will take place in the fall of 2005."

Lucky said the change in focus will allow Northwestern to continue its strong orientation toward its students.

"We will continue to provide the same high level of individualized attention to all prospective students," she said. "We want them to know all that Northwestern can provide for them. Our objective is to work with students to help them achieve their objectives."

Lucky has been director of admissions and recruiting since 1997. In that time, NSU has increased enrollment for five consecutive years, topping 10,000 students for the first time in school history. Lucky expanded Northwestern's student recruitment outside Louisiana, increasing out of state enrollment 43 percent. She also developed a successful alumni reception recruiting program. She earned a bachelor's degree and a master's in student personnel services ­ administration at NSU.

Jordan will coordinate special high school recruiting events, help set up alumni recruiting functions and design and implement a student ambassador telemarketing program.

Jordan has been on NSU's staff for two years as an admissions counselor/recruiter for one year and assistant director for high school relations for the past year. As assistant director, Jordan was direct supervisor for six in-state recruiters and one out-of-state recruiter. She also planned and coordinated special recruiting events for prospective students and directed summer cheer and dance camps. Jordan is a 2001 graduate of Northwestern with a bachelor's degree in business administration. She is also a graduate of Montgomery High School.

Dowden has been a staff member at NSU for two years. He was assistant director of student activities before joining the Office of University Recruiting. A native of Negreet, Dowden earned a bachelor's degree as well as a master's in adult education from Northwestern.

In his new position, Dowden will oversee recruitment efforts of graduate, adult and transfer students.

Maxie has been an admissions counselor/recruiter for two years, focusing on the New Orleans area. She increased inquiries and applicants from the area to record levels and improved the conversion rate of applicants to enrollees.

A graduate of Northwestern in journalism, Maxie was assistant marketing director at People's State Bank before joining NSU's staff. She is a former resident of Shreveport.

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