Main MenuNEWS RELEASE
Contact: David West
News Bureau
Northwestern State University
Natchitoches, LA 71497
(318) 357-6466
7/2/99
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NATCHITOCHES - Strengthening academic programs and increasing the level of private support will be among the 1999-2000 objectives of Northwestern State President Dr. Randall J. Webb.
The Northwestern chief executive is starting his fourth year leading the institution and is rapidly moving to achieving important long term goals for the university. In Webb's first three years, Northwestern has increased the number of nationally accredited programs by more than 30 percent. Twenty-eight of 32 eligible academic programs have earned accreditation. The other four programs are seeking accreditation. Webb wants to achieve 100 percent accreditation of eligible programs by 2001.
"Gaining accreditation for academic programs is very important to an institution," said Webb. "The accreditation process requires an institution to carefully evaluate a program and determine ways to improve it. The process has shown that Northwestern has academic programs on a level with institutions anywhere. That enables us to better educate our students."
The university has also increased the level of external funding from federal, state and private sources by 73 percent. Private fundraising has also been increased. Last year, NSU received approximately $2,000,000 in private funds to support its programs. Under Webb's leadership, NSU has received three of the four largest private gifts in the university's 115-year history.
"Raising private funds is vital to any institution of higher education," said Webb. "These funds allow us to provide additional opoortunities for students to receive an education and allow our faculty to conduct research that will make them better teachers."
This past year, Northwestern has continued to work to provide better student services. A job location and development office was created to assist students find part-time jobs. The financial aid operation was strengthened to process aid packages more quickly. Additional projects were funded with student technology fees. Webb also continued to work with the Student Government Association on projects to improve student life. He also worked to be visible and available to meet and talk with students about ongoing projects and ideas.
"My top goal was to create a student-centered environment at Northwestern and with the help of a dedicated faculty and staff, we are doing that," said Webb. "I am always available to listen to student concerns. Creating the proper environment for our students allows them to focus on their education and in turn attracts more students."
Over the past three years, Northwestern has maintained a steady enrollment despite a more competitive higher education environment. Webb is optimistic that the university will see an enrollment increase this fall.
In the upcoming year, Webb plans to maintain and increase enrollment by developing an enrollment management plan to identify and recruit top students.
Northwestern also plans to continue efforts to bring higher education to those who want it. The university intends to increase electronic delivery of courses using compressed video and the Internet.
"The university has taken a leadership role in finding new, innovative ways to bring classes to our students," said Webb. "Harnessing the available technology will help us reach students that may not be able to have access to higher education."
This year, NSU plans to initiate a program to provide regular reviews for academic programs that do not have national accrediting agencies. Over the next four years, all academic programs will be reviewed.
Several capital outlay projects are also planned at Northwestern. A $6.9 million project to construct a Wellness, Recreation and Activity Center in the center of the campus is scheduled to get under way. The university is also scheduled to receive funding to plan renovations of Morrison Hall and the Family and Consumer Sciences Building. Planning money should also be available for the construction of a fiber-optics network for the campus. After a delay of almost two years because of a fire, the project to renovate the Women's Gym should begin again. The building will be the headquarters of the National Center for Preservation Technology and Training.
-30-