NATCHITOCHES – Northwestern State University showcased its leadership in advancing rural workforce development through artificial intelligence, drone technology and advanced manufacturing at the Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana September 8-9 at the Paragon Casino Resort in Marksville.
The summit brought together leaders in business, education, technology and government to address opportunities and challenges facing rural communities. Featured speakers included representatives from META, Louisiana Central, the Louisiana Board of Regents and Louisiana Main Street.
NSU highlighted its commitment to preparing Louisiana’s rural workforce with cutting-edge technology and industry partnerships.
NSU alumnus Monty Chicola, president of Real Vision Software, participated in a panel on artificial intelligence, underscoring how AI-driven solutions are shaping industries across Louisiana and creating new career pathways for rural communities.
Connie D. Baker, Advanced Manufacturing Program liaison for RoyOMartin, shared insight on how NSU’s Advanced Manufacturing Program equips students with high-demand technical skills. Through its unique academic/work rotation model, students gain both classroom knowledge and direct industry experience, strengthening the regional workforce pipeline.
JD Cox, coordinator of NSU’s Advanced Remote and Geospatial Operations (ARGO) Lab, delivered a keynote presentation demonstrating the university’s drone technology and its applications in workforce training, research and rural development. The program provides students with marketable skills in aviation safety, logistics and public safety applications, while supporting industries in central Louisiana.
Danielle Cabrera, NSU recruiter for Central Louisiana; alum Monty Chicola, Jennifer DePriest, Region 6 STEM coordinator, and Samantha Grant, NSU Marksville campus coordinator, were among the NSU delegation that participated in the Louisiana Rural Economic Summit in Marksville, hosted by the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana.
Collectively, these initiatives position NSU as a leader in preparing students with future-ready skills that foster economic growth and opportunity across rural Louisiana.
NSU’s delegation to the summit included faculty, staff, students and alumni representing multiple disciplines. Participants included Danielle Cabrera, NSU recruiter for Central Louisiana; Samantha Grant, NSU Marksville campus coordinator; Jennifer DePriest, Region 6 STEM coordinator; Adelaide Soileau and Travis Mitchell of NSU’s ARGO Lab; students from the College of Nursing and School of Allied Health (CONSAH), and Laurie Morrow, Gwen Fontenot and Danielle Cobb of NSU’s Office of Economic Development and University Advancement.
The university’s collaboration with the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe continues to play a vital role in regional economic and workforce development. In May 2023, NSU and the Tribe formalized a five-year Memorandum of Understanding designed to expand educational opportunities, provide first-generation scholarships and support adult learners through continuing education. The agreement builds on NSU’s American Indian Opportunity Plan, which provides tuition waivers for citizens of federally recognized tribes.
“The Louisiana Rural Economic Development Summit reflects the collaborative spirit that is vital to the growth of our region,” said Morrow, executive director of the NSU Foundation. “Northwestern State University is proud to highlight how our programs in artificial intelligence, drones, and advanced manufacturing are preparing Louisiana’s rural workforce for the jobs of tomorrow.”
The two-day summit emphasized the importance of collaboration among higher education, industry, and community partners to strengthen the economic vitality of rural Louisiana.
For more information on NSU’s role in regional economic development initiatives, visit www.nsula.edu.