June 26, 2026
Shreveport Freshman Connection helps students discover opportunities close to home at NSU
Freshman Connection at NSU’s Shreveport location introduces incoming students to academic programs, campus resources and healthcare career pathways
NATCHITOCHES – Students from across Northwest Louisiana gathered at Northwestern State University’s Shreveport location on June 25 for Freshman Connection, where incoming students explored academic opportunities and prepared for the transition to college while remaining close to home.
Held in Shreveport’s medical district, Freshman Connection connected students with academic advisors, campus resources and fellow students while providing a first look at life as a Demon. Current students serving as Freshman Connectors guided participants through the program and shared their experiences at Northwestern State.
Elizabeth (Ellie) Hardy of Haughton, a graduate of Haughton High School, served as a Freshman Connector during the program. Hardy said Freshman Connection helps incoming students become familiar with Northwestern State and the resources available to them.
“Freshman Connection is a program to get students oriented with Northwestern and college as a whole,” Hardy said. “We get them associated with all the resources, and that’s the same at the satellite campuses.”
Freshman Connection places students in small groups led by current Northwestern State students who help incoming freshmen navigate the transition from high school to college. Participants also meet with academic advisors and register for fall classes.
Hardy said NSU’s Shreveport location offers students the opportunity to stay close to home while benefiting from personalized instruction.
“NSU Shreveport is super awesome and special because it’s close to home for a lot of the students,” Hardy said. “They love the one-on-one instruction they get to have with their instructors.”
Incoming student Jakobe Delaney of Haughton, a graduate of Haughton High School, plans to study nursing at Northwestern State. Delaney said staying close to home and following in the footsteps of family members who attended NSU made the decision an easy one.
“I chose to stay at home because I am a big family person,” Delaney said. “My stepmom was actually a nurse, and she went to Northwestern as well.”
Located in the heart of Shreveport’s medical district, NSU’s Shreveport location serves as a hub for nursing and allied health education in North Louisiana. Programs offered include the Associate of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Radiologic Sciences and Doctor of Nursing Practice in nurse anesthesia. Students benefit from clinical partnerships, simulation laboratories and connections to hospitals and healthcare organizations throughout the region.
Essence Ortojan of Bossier City, a graduate of Airline High School, plans to study nursing at Northwestern State. Ortojan said the university’s welcoming atmosphere and proximity to home confirmed it was the right fit.
“I love being with my family and being close to them, and it’s so close to home I felt like it was the perfect school for me,” Ortojan said. “It just feels really homey and less scary here, and way more fun.”
Freshman Connection sessions continue throughout the summer. The final session on the Natchitoches campus is scheduled for July 9.
Information about Freshman Connection and orientation programs is available through Northwestern State’s Office of First Year Experience and Student Engagement at nsula.edu/fye or by calling (318) 357-5559.
Registration for the fall semester will continue through Aug. 16. Information about registration is available at vic.nsula.edu.
NSU-Shreveport
Elizabeth (Ellie) Hardy greets incoming students during check-in at Freshman Connection on NSU’s Shreveport campus.