June 24, 2026
Central Louisiana students discover opportunities close to home during NSU Freshman Connection
Program at NSU’s Alexandria Campus introduces incoming students to academic programs and campus resources while connecting them with fellow Demons
NATCHITOCHES – Students from across Central Louisiana gathered at Northwestern State University’s Alexandria Campus on June 23 for Freshman Connection, where incoming students explored academic opportunities and prepared for the transition to college while remaining close to home.
Held at NSU’s Alexandria Campus at England Airpark, the orientation program 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.
Madison Book of Pineville served as a Freshman Connector during the program. Book said, “As a Freshman Connector, we welcome in new students and give them all the information that they need to be a successful student at Northwestern.”
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.
Book said, “I’m not a student on this campus and every time I walk in I’m greeted with open arms and they’re always there to help me.” She added that the campus feels connected to the surrounding community. “I think the Cenla campus also feels like home because it is just so close to town, at the heart of Cenla and at the heart of what all matters.”
Ian David of the Ville Platte area is pursuing a nursing degree through NSU’s Alexandria campus. David said the opportunity to pursue a healthcare career while remaining close to home has allowed him to balance his education with family responsibilities.
“They really do help students here, especially nontraditional students,” David said. He said the nursing program’s hands-on learning opportunities, hospital experience and tutoring support have helped him succeed. “They’re very student-centered.”
David said attending NSU’s Cenla campus allows him to continue supporting his family while working toward his degree. “I have a 7-year-old little girl and a 6-year-old boy, so just driving 45 minutes there and back has been good because I’ll still be able to coach T-ball, basketball and get studying done,” he said. “Going far away is not always the best.”
David said the support he has received at the university has made a difference in his educational journey. “I’ve had a great support system at home, but I also have a good support system here,” he said.
Located at England Airpark, NSU’s Alexandria Campus offers degree programs and flexible learning options for students throughout Central Louisiana. The campus supports programs in nursing, business, social work and other fields while serving students who choose to remain in the region while pursuing a college degree.
Freshman Connection sessions continue throughout the summer. The final session on Northwestern State’s Natchitoches campus is scheduled for July 9, giving incoming students an opportunity to meet with advisors, register for classes and learn about campus resources before the fall semester.
Information on Northwestern State’s Cenla campus is available at https://www.nsula.edu/about/campuses-directions/alexandria/.
Registration for the fall semester will continue through Aug. 16. Information about registration is available at vic.nsula.edu.
Freshman Connection:
Students check in and connect with campus resources during Freshman Connection at Northwestern State University’s Alexandria Campus.
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Honor Camus (camush@nsula.edu)
Public Relations and Media Specialist
Northwestern State University
(318) 357-4245
www.nsula.edu/news