May 8, 2025
NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University will award an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities to Jerry Adkins (Jaf) Fielder II during its spring commencement exercises on May 14.
Fielder, the president and chief executive officer of Willis Knighton Health, will receive the honor as part of the ceremony on May 14 at 2 p.m. which will include graduates from the College of Nursing and Allied Health. He will also be the commencement speaker at each of NSU’s three commencement ceremonies.
The ceremony for graduates from the College of Business and Technology and the Gallaspy College of Education and Human Development will be Wednesday, May 14, at 10 a.m.
The ceremony for graduates from the College of Arts and Sciences and the Louisiana Scholars’ College will be Thursday, May 15 at 10 a.m.
Also during the 10 a.m. ceremony on May 15, NSU’s graduate class of 1975 will be recognized and awarded 50-year diplomas in celebration of their Golden Jubilee.
All ceremonies will be live streamed via www.nsula.edu.
“Mr. Fielder is one of the University’s and College of Nursing and Allied Health’s most dedicated and influential supporters,” said NSU President James T. Genovese. “His visionary leadership has been pivotal in overseeing Willis Knighton’s integrated healthcare system. Mr. Fielder’s steadfast support of Northwestern has been critical in the development and accreditation of the DNP Nurse Anesthesia program as well as several specialty programs in radiologic sciences. His commitment extends beyond the University through community initiatives which have greatly improved the quality of life throughout our region.”
Fielder is a distinguished healthcare executive, civic leader and advocate for education and workforce development across Louisiana. He oversees the largest healthcare delivery system in North Louisiana, encompassing four acute care hospitals, a rehabilitation institute, a 600-member physician network comprised of 600 physicians/mid-level providers and The Oaks of Louisiana, the state’s largest retirement community.
A champion of educational advancement, Fielder has led transformative initiatives benefiting students and underserved communities. He established the Willis Knighton Health Occupations Partnership, providing high school students with hands-on healthcare experience and scholarship opportunities. He played a pivotal role in expanding graduate medical education programs to attract and retain physicians in the region and has helped fund advanced degrees in nurse anesthesia and radiologic sciences at NSU.
Fielder’s commitment to public service includes spearheading major community partnerships — from renovating Lee Hedges Stadium for local schools to co-funding a Ronald McDonald House and supporting first responder health screenings. His community leadership has included positions with the Martin Luther King Health Center and Pharmacy, Northwest Louisiana Heart Walk, the Louisiana Hospital Association and the Food Bank of Northwest Louisiana, where he currently serves as chairman.
Fielder holds three degrees: an MBA with a focus in organizational psychology and business management, a BBA from Abilene Christian University and a BS in accounting from LSU Shreveport. He also is an active member of the American College of Healthcare Executives.
A dedicated member of the University Church of Christ, he has served as a deacon since 2018. He was appointed by Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry to the Healthcare Pelican Transition Team and is an Honorary Commander of the 307th Medical Squadron at Barksdale Air Force Base.
Fielder has been recognized with numerous honors, including the United Way’s Clyde E. Fant Memorial Award and consecutive Business of the Year honors from the Shreveport and Bossier Chambers of Commerce.
For more information on spring commencement at Northwestern, go to www.nsula.edu/commencement.
