NEWS RELEASE

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

2/04/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES-An emphasis on strengthening academic programs and improved student retention helped Northwestern State University achieve a record enrollment of 9,727 students for the spring 2003 semester. The university increased its student population by 700 students or 7.8 percent over last spring. The improvement was the largest in 11 years.

The university increased its enrollment on the Natchitoches campus as 6,067 students signed up for classes. NSU's Leesville/Fort Polk and Shreveport campus also had more students than last spring. Enrollment at off campus sites increased to 1,560 students which includes those taking electronic classes.

"The spring enrollment figures are continued good news for Northwestern," said NSU president Dr. Randall J. Webb. "The university is attracting and retaining good students because of our strong academic programs and dedicated faculty and staff."

Webb pointed out that Northwestern is the only public university in Louisiana with 100 percent accreditation of eligible academic programs. NSU's faculty is also active professionally conducting recognized research in their respective fields. During the past academic year, Northwestern's faculty produced 585 professional publications. The publications include books, chapters of books, creative presentations, juried exhibitions or public performances. Also included are faculty presentations, papers and unrefereed proceedings at state, regional, national and international organizations.

"Our faculty is not only dedicated to teaching and helping our students succeed, they also stay up to date on the latest advances in their field and bring that information to the classroom," said Webb. "Students know when they are receiving a quality education. For more discerning students, Northwestern is becoming the university of choice."

Two faculty, Dr. Subhash Durlabhji and Dr. Julie Kane, were named Fulbright Scholars. Kane was also a winner of the National Poetry Series Open Competition. Northwestern also had its first Marshall Scholarship winner. Alexander C. Billioux, a senior in the Louisiana Scholars' College, was chosen for the honor. He was the only student attending a Louisiana college or university selected.

Northwestern is also working to improve its physical plant. Two major renovation projects are scheduled to be completed later this year while another anticipated project should begin. The rehabilitation of Morrison Hall, the home of the Louisiana Scholars' College, and the Family and Consumer Science Building should be finished. Groundbreaking for the Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center should be held later this month.

"These projects will provide students with state of the art facilities which will serve the university for years to come," said Webb. "We will continue to seek additional funding for other projects which benefit Northwestern. This is part of our effort to provide an environment conducive to the total development of each student which include academic buildings, residence halls and recreational facilities."

Webb indicated that he, along with those who work with prospective students, continue to receive positive feedback about Northwestern's achievements.

"Our student recruiters find that students and parents are aware that good things are going on at Northwestern, that it is a special, unique university where we listen to students and offer them opportunities to expand their horizons and better prepare themselves for life beyond college," Webb said.

Northwestern had an enrollment of 10,159 students in the fall semester. Four hundred and eighty-six students graduated after the fall semester.

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