Pictured above: NSU faculty recognized for outstanding research were, from left, Dr. Patrice Moulton, Dr. Christopher Gilson, Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson and, representing Dr. Laura Aaron, colleagues Becky Farmer and Dr. Kari Cook.
Aug. 15, 2025
NATCHITOCHES –Northwestern State University faculty gathered for the annual Faculty Institute, a highlight of on-call week prior to the start of the fall semester. The event gave NSU President James Genovese an opportunity to address faculty from all campuses, highlight accomplishments and provide updates on ongoing projects.
“When I am out in the community, seeing people and talking about Northwestern, I’m talking about you,” Genovese said in his address to faculty. “You are the engine that drives this university.”
Faculty Institute is also a forum for introducing new faculty and recognizing faculty for outstanding research, teaching and advising.
Research awards went to Dr. Christopher Gilson, Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson, Dr. Patrice Moulton and Dr. Laura Aaron.
Gilson earned the Dr. Mariette Lebreton Louisiana Studies Award presented to faculty whose research careers have been dedicated to research on Louisiana topics and who have made significant contributions to his or her field of study. Gilson is associate professor of history and coordinator of the History program in NSU’s School of Social Sciences and Applied Programs.
Dr. Michelle Fazio Brunson earned the Dr. Mildred Hart Bailey Research Award, presented in recognition of outstanding research or distinguished artistic performance or creative work substantially completed within the past three years. Brunson is director of graduate programs in early childhood education in NSU’s School of Education.
Dr. Laura Aaron and Dr. Patrice Moulton earned the Dr. Jean D’Amato Thomas Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors senior faculty members whose careers have included significant commitment to research and service to their disciplines.
Aaron is professor and assistant to the provost for Graduate Studies in the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health.
Moulton is professor in the Department of Psychology and Addiction Studies.
Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck, left, and Dr. Kristen Walker Authement, right, were honored with Faculty Excellence in Academic Advising Awards. Steve Hicks, executive director of Academic Advising Services, center, presented the honors.
Dr. Leslie Gruesbeck, associate professor of art and head of the Department of Fine and Graphic Arts, and Dr. Kristen Walker Authement, academic coordinator and instructor in the School of Education, earned Excellence in Academic Advising Award, which recognizes faculty for their mentorship and commitment to student success. Criteria include knowledge, helpfulness and accessibility.
Excellence in Teaching Awards recognize faculty for tireless devotion to teaching and to students. From the College of Arts and Sciences, this year’s honorees are Scott Burrell, director of the School of Creative and Performing Arts and professor of theatre; William Housel, professor of history, Louisiana Scholars’ College, and Dr. Nabin Sapkota, associate professor in the Department of Engineering Technology. From the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health honorees are Jessica Despino, clinical coordinator for Radiologic Sciences, and Robin Laborde, assistant professor. Beverly Broadway, instructor in the Department of Psychology, was selected from the Gallaspy Family College of Education and School of Human Development. Dr. Qwontice McDowell, assistant professor of finance, was selected from the College of Business and Technology.
NSU faculty honored with Excellence in Teaching Awards were, from left, Scott Burrell, Dr. Nabin Sapkota, Beverly Broadway, Jessica Despino, Dr. Bill Housel, Robin LaBorde and Dr. Qwontice McDowell.
A new initiative by NSU’s Faculty Senate is the Outstanding Faculty Awards. From left are the inaugural recipients, Dr. Shane Rasmussen, Outstanding Faculty Service Award; Dr. Thomas Reynolds, Outstanding Faculty Spotlight Award; Dr. Davina McClain, Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award, and Dr. Terrie Sanders, Outstanding Faculty Advising Award.
This year, NSU’s Faculty Senate created a new initiative to recognize faculty on a monthly basis for service, teaching and research. Dr. Shane Rasmussen, professor of English and director of the Louisiana Folklife Center, earned the Outstanding Faculty Service Award. Dr. Thomas Reynolds, professor of English and head of the Department of English, Languages and Cultural Studies, earned the Outstanding Faculty Spotlight Award. Dr. Davina McClain, professor of Classics in the Louisiana Scholars’ College, earned the Outstanding Faculty Teaching Award. Dr. Terrie Sanders, professor of music and chair of the Department of Music, earned the Outstanding Faculty Advising Award.
NSU’s Fall 2025 semester begins Monday, Aug. 18. Registration for classes continues through Aug. 26.
