NEWS RELEASE

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

7/30/2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NATCHITOCHES- Darlene Williams has been named director of Electronic and Continuing Education at Northwestern State University.

Williams has been at NSU since 1999 after working in the Sabine Parish school system for 10 years. She oversaw the development of the eNSU program at Northwestern which has brought electronic classes to students around the world. Over the past four years, NSU has gained national and international recognition for its efforts in bringing college classes to students. Northwestern has taken a leadership role in the delivery of
electronic classes in Louisiana.

"At this time, we feel that we are doing a good job in meeting the needs of students who are taking electronic classes, but we want to develop more effective ways of providing support and services," said Williams. "We need to explore new opportunities to improve and enhance what we do."

A graduate of Northwestern, Williams also earned a master of education degree and a specialist in education degree at NSU. She is working toward a doctorate in administration from the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. Williams is also a faculty member at Northwestern, teaching courses in educational technology.

From 1989 until 1995, Williams was an elementary teacher for grades four through six and was honored as Teacher of the Year. She was Title I Facilitator for the Sabine Parish School Board for two years. Williams was an interim principal and coordinator of student services from 1997 until 1999.

Williams has made 18 state, national or international presentations, speaking at conferences in Montreal, Boston and Orlando as well as throughout Louisiana.

She has also helped obtain more than $425,000 in grants for Northwestern.

The university has combined the Office of Continuing Education with the Office of Electronic Learning to serve both traditional and non-traditional students who would like take credit or non-credit courses.

"When you look at the trends, there is tremendous potential for growth because more people are going back to college." said Williams. "Life long learning is becoming more important in helping people advance in their careers or to achieve personal goals."

According to Williams, NSU will work closely with area school systems as well as business and industry to provide needed classes or training.

"Addressing the immediate need of our local service area is important," she said. "The people of this region and the state have shown tremendous loyalty and support for Northwestern over the years. We want to make sure their needs are met."

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