GENERALS BRIEFING
L-R: Deron Thaxton (LSUA Executive Vice Chancellor for Administration & CFO), Abbey Bain (LSUA Vice Chancellor for Enrollment & Student Engagement), Elizabeth Beard (LSUA Provost & Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs), Paul Coreil (LSUA Chancellor), and LSUA Ambassadors
CHANCELLOR Paul Coreil, Ph.D.
MESSAGE FROM THE CHANCELLOR
I am pleased to announce several accomplishments and new endeavors highlighting LSUA’s continued dedication to preparing students for career success and enhancing central Louisiana. This fall, we achieved a historic milestone with record enrollment, growing by an impressive 33.5%. LSUA now serves 6,815 undergraduates, making it the sixth-largest undergraduate institution in Louisiana. Our growth has outpaced national trends and exemplified our high-value education, aligning with the needs of students, local employers, and private businesses.
As we celebrate this success, we proudly introduce our new initiative, Command Your Career. This program represents LSUA’s mission to ensure that career readiness is incorporated into every aspect of our students’ educational journey. In listening to our community and the businesses we partner with, we recognized a demand for graduates that have the necessary skills to enter the workforce. This initiative culminates our efforts from programs like the Career Center, Career Champions Institute, and Academic Advising into one unified approach that guarantees every student is equipped for professional success from their first year through graduation
In this edition, you will read inspiring stories of LSUA students sharing their career-defining opportunities. From internships to healthcare clinicals, these experiences showcase the power of our career-readiness programs and strong partnerships with businesses and organizations. These accounts are just a few examples of the remarkable success our students are achieving.
One of the critical areas where LSUA is making a significant impact is healthcare. Louisiana and the nation face an alarming shortage of nurses and allied health professionals. Locally, there are over 550 registered nurse vacancies and 170 additional vacancies in allied health roles. To address this, LSUA has set ambitious goals to increase the number of graduates in these fields to nearly 250 annually. We are committed to enhancing our healthcare programs and plan to leverage a new state-of-theart Health Education Campus in downtown Alexandria, where students will gain hands-on experience near regional hospitals. This project, supported by our community and healthcare partners, will contribute to sustaining a healthy workforce in central Louisiana, improving the quality of life for all our residents.
None of this success would be possible without the incredible support of our donors, legislators, community leaders, faculty, staff, and Foundation. LSUA’s rise through the ranks is a shared achievement, and we thank each of you for the love you have shown this university and our students. With your backing, LSUA will continue to grow and transform the lives of our students and the community we serve.
Paul D. Coreil, Ph.D. LSUA Chancellor
Enrollment is Exploding as LSUA Sees 33.5% Growth, Now Up to 6,815 Undergrads for Fall 2024!
LSUA has achieved a historic milestone, with enrollment soaring to 6,815 full-time undergraduate students for the Fall 2024 semester. This 33.5% increase over last year adds 1,711 new students, marking the largest total enrollment in the university’s history. The continued growth has secured LSUA’s position as the fastest-growing university in Louisiana and the South.
Previously ranked as the 11th-largest institution in Louisiana based on undergraduate enrollment, LSUA has now advanced to become the sixth-largest in the state. This significant growth defies the nationwide trend of enrollment declines affecting many institutions across the region.
LSUA is gaining national recognition for delivering a high-value education that appeals to today’s students and addresses workforce demands. As a result, LSUA has exceeded its goal, enrolling 136% of the 5,000 students target by 2025. The excellence demonstrated by the faculty and staff and support from the central Louisiana community has been crucial to LSUA’s repeated success.
The university welcomes its largest incoming first-year class since becoming a four-year institution in 2001, enrolling 581 first-year students—a 22.3% increase from the previous year.
LSUA’s growth is largely attributed to the success of its online programs. The university now has 3,699 students enrolled in fully online degree programs—a staggering 56.7% increase from the previous fall. These online students represent 54% of the total enrollment, highlighting the flexibility and accessibility LSUA provides to those balancing education with work, family, and community commitments.
On-campus enrollment also continues to flourish, with 3,116 students enrolled locally—a 13.4% increase since last fall. Additionally, LSUA’s dual enrollment program experienced a substantial 32% increase, offering high school students unique opportunities to earn college credits and advance their academic pursuits while still in high school.
LSUA Unveils “Command Your Career” Initiative to Enhance Student Career Readiness and Professional Success
LSUA has launched Command Your Career, a Quality Enhancement Plan to promote students’ career readiness and professional success. The initiative, set for 2025-2030, offers a comprehensive framework that weaves together academic programs, student support resources, and mentorship opportunities to enrich learning experiences. The program is structured into four milestones:
EXPLORE: The first milestone encourages students to investigate various career paths, assess their interests, and engage with university activities. This step involves taking a career inventory, completing a degree audit plan, attending campus events, joining student organizations, and enhancing career networking through platforms such as Handshake.
DEVELOP: The second milestone focuses on building durable career skills and participating in leadership opportunities. Students work on skills projects, earn Skill Badges, gain experience as student workers, and assume leadership roles in organizations.
EXPERIENCE : The third milestone emphasizes experiential learning and mentor relationships. Students apply academic knowledge to careerrelated experiences by completing seminars, earning additional skill badges, obtaining industry credentials, and presenting at conferences. Networking is expanded through internships and industry events.
ARRIVE : The final milestone prepares students for the professional world by reflecting on their readiness. Activities include attending Career Center workshops, polishing resumes and online profiles, and completing exit interviews or reflective projects to assess career preparedness.
LSUA has invested in the program by appointing a full-time Command Your Career Coordinator to manage and coordinate efforts across existing resources such as the First Year Experience course, the Career Center, and the Center for Engaged Teaching and Learning. Success will be measured through STAR Assessments that track growth in competencies such as self-assessment, skill development, leadership, networking, and job or graduate school placement rates.
LSUA has implemented multiple programs and strategic actions to equip students with the necessary skills to transition from the classroom to purposeful careers. The Command Your Career initiative is the culmination of all these efforts into a shared mission emphasized throughout every aspect of the university.
Four Stars
of Healthcare
Preparing Future Health Professionals to Serve Locally
Ernie Filer
Radiologic Technology Student
"After 11 years in the Army, I am seeking new challenges by specializing in computed tomography (CT) and nuclear medicine. Achieving my goals in these fields will place me where I want to be.
My favorite part of the program is the hands-on experience in a hospital setting. Working directly with patients has helped me prepare for my future career and has taught me that radiology involves much more than just taking X-rays; it also involves understanding radiation doses and patient care.
The hands-on labs and practice with classmates have been incredibly helpful. Our small class feels like family—we support and encourage each other through the program’s challenges. Our professors share valuable stories and examples that help us think critically in clinical settings."
Tina Tourere
Oncology Unit Manager
Rapides Regional Medical Center
"Rapides Regional Medical Center loves welcoming LSUA students for their clinical experiences. They are eager to learn, well-prepared, and fit right into our unit. The students integrate seamlessly with our staff, forming personal relationships that enhance their educational journey.
We ensure they have a well-rounded experience by accommodating their interests, even allowing them to explore departments beyond oncology. Their proactive approach is commendable—they are always in patients’ rooms, engaging in care, and seeking opportunities to learn from different nurses. Their impeccable work ethic and initiative signal that they’ll become great nurses.
We have watched LSUA students progress from learning basic skills to becoming independent and confident nurses ready to graduate. LSUA produces well-educated nurses who communicate effectively with patients and their families—a critical aspect of patient care. When we hire their graduates, they come to the floor prepared and know what is expected."
Radasia Calvin Nursing Student
"I aim to specialize in either the emergency room or labor and delivery. My favorite part of the program is the clinical experience, especially at Cabrini Hospital, where the nurses are always willing to help. The faculty at LSUA are incredibly supportive and approachable, always ready to assist when needed.
I was surprised by the depth of pharmacology; there are so many medications to learn and understand. Our professors prepare us thoroughly before clinicals, dedicating time to prepare us for the hospital environment. They guide us through the necessary paperwork and help us apply classroom theory to real-world practice.
I have greatly benefited from the support while connecting with people and navigating campus life. Overall, the combination of supportive faculty, hands-on clinical experiences, and family has made my time at LSUA invaluable."
Erica Carrier Head of Radiology
Oakdale Community Hospital
"At Oakdale Community Hospital, we offer quality, accessible healthcare right here at home. Many of us have worked elsewhere but returned to give back to our community.
We love our LSUA radiologic technology students. They help us tremendously and are always ready to jump in and get hands-on experience. They spend valuable time learning from our techs and interacting one-on-one with our patients. Their work ethic is tremendous, and we treat their time here as a two-year job interview. By graduation, they’re confident, know what they want, and are ready to work. We’ve hired many LSUA graduates and hope to hire more.
LSUA’s centrally located campus gives students an advantage; they have access to a wide range of facilities—from large hospitals to small ones like ours. The clinical instructors and professors are top-notch and set big goals for these students. As an alumna of LSUA, I am always excited to work with and hire graduates from the program."
100% of LSUA
Radiologic Technology Recent Graduates Passed the ARRT National Certification Examination
LSUA’s Department of Allied Health proudly announced that its 2024 Radiologic Technology graduating class achieved a 100% first-time pass rate on the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam. This exceptional accomplishment exceeds the national average first-time pass rate of 83.5%.
Since its establishment in 2002, LSUA’s Radiologic Technology program has consistently prepared students for careers as radiologic technologists and radiographers. These highly skilled professionals perform essential X-ray procedures that aid in diagnosing and treating medical conditions. Accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), an accrediting body approved by the ARRT, LSUA’s program offers a comprehensive curriculum that equips students for employment in hospitals, surgery centers, private practices, imaging facilities, and urgent care centers.
LSUA is among 38 Educator Prep Providers Recognized for National Excellence
The LSUA School of Education has earned accreditation from the Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation (CAEP), becoming one of 38 providers recognized in the Spring 2024 review. By attaining CAEP accreditation, LSUA joins a global community of 559 educator preparation providers.
CAEP accreditation signifies that LSUA’s programs meet rigorous, nationally recognized standards to ensure educator preparation excellence. The accreditation process is a nongovernmental, peerreviewed evaluation that assures quality and promotes continuous improvement in teacher education. To receive this distinction, providers must demonstrate solid evidence that their graduates are competent and caring educators and that faculty can maintain and enhance the quality of the professional programs they offer.
The program is experiencing significant growth and welcoming its largest incoming class this fall. This increase reflects a rising interest in pursuing high-demand allied health professions critical to community well-being. Program leadership credits the success to enhanced support and resources provided to students from day one. By focusing on student preparedness before entering the program, LSUA aims to maintain strong outcomes and contribute to meeting the local community’s healthcare needs.
The LSUA Children’s Center Celebrates 25 Years Serving Central Louisiana
Celebrating a remarkable milestone, the LSUA Children's Center continues to provide exceptional childcare and early education to the LSUA community and central Louisiana. Since its establishment in 1999, the center has supported the children of faculty, staff, and students through a research-based, age-appropriate curriculum.
Founded initially with over $400,000 in private donations and support from the LSUA Student Government Association, the center addressed a critical need for on-campus childcare. The center features three stateof-the-art classrooms and offers programs for children aged one to five, emphasizing wellness, social-emotional growth, and school readiness. Looking ahead, the LSUA Children's Center plans to continue its growth, remaining a cornerstone of early childhood education in the community.
LSUA Professional Aviation Program Soars to New Heights with Student Success and Community Support
LSUA’s Professional Aviation students continue to exhibit professionalism and achievement, with several completing their private pilot licenses. Currently, over 50 students are enrolled in the rapidly growing program. In response to this expansion, Gulf Coast Aviation has recently added a fourth training plane to its fleet, further enhancing the training capabilities of the program.
In June, LSUA held a highly successful open house event, attended by prospective students. This event was generously hosted by Million Air at England Airpark, with participation from LSUA’s flight training partner, Gulf Coast Aviation. The open house featured tours of the training planes and opportunities for prospective students to engage with current students and instructors, gaining valuable insights into the program.
The success of LSUA’s Professional Aviation program has garnered significant support from the local community. LSUA announced the establishment of the George M. Simmons Jr. Post 3 of the American Legion Aviation Scholarship, dedicated to benefiting aviation students within the College of Science, Technology, & Mathematics. The endowed scholarship, fully funded at $25,000, was presented by Post Commander Craig Phillips and Second Vice Commander William Vlk. This generous endowment aims to support one or more students each semester in their pursuit of an aviation degree.
LSUA Foundation Awards Junamici Scholarships to Eight Incoming Freshmen
LSUA has awarded the Junamici Scholarships to eight incoming freshmen for Fall 2024 to assist with financial needs and encourage academic success. The recipients are Haley Bailey, Baily Vasquez, Ethan Hart, Bethany Morris, Sue Coulon, Camorie Lewis, Josia Lafleur, and Margaret Setliff. The Junamici Scholarships consist of two awards within the Junamici Foundation gifts: the Junamici Scholarship in Nursing and the Junamici Scholarship in Art, Literature, and Humanities.
The nursing scholarship was established in memory of Lt. Col. Marie Smith, a retired Air Force surgical nurse from central Louisiana. Smith trained at Schumpert Highland Medical Center in Shreveport and worked at CHRISTUS Cabrini Hospital in Alexandria before joining the U.S. Army Air Force. The scholarship in Art, Literature, and Humanities honors Louis and Ethel Smith, who supported and encouraged many students to graduate high school and attend college. These scholarships aim to promote equitable outcomes, support student performance, and minimize student debt among LSUA students.
L-R: Elizabeth Beard (LSUA Provost & Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs), William Vlk (American Legion Second Vice Commander Post 3), Eamon Halpin (LSUA Vice Provost & Associate Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs), Paul Coreil (LSUA Chancellor), Bill Blackburn (LSUA Aviation Instructor), Craig Phillips (American Legion Commander Post 3), Shari Drerup (LSUA Aviation Instructor), Kelly Pepper (LSUA Foundation President)
Achieving Marketing Mastery with Louisiana Central
Mattia Loioli, a business administration student, is sharpening his marketing skills during his internship at Louisiana Central. Manager Britni Lilley, an LSUA alumna, praises Mattia’s initiative and work ethic, noting his adaptability in their fast-paced environment.
find a job that allows me to stay in the country and build a future here. Currently, I’m interning at Louisiana Central, which has been invaluable. I meet with my manager, Britni Lilley, each morning to plan our day. We focus on marketing tasks like creating social media posts, managing campaigns, and working on projects ranging from large marketing initiatives to designing bookmarks or tags for office events.
My favorite part of the internship is the creative aspect—especially working on social media content. Britni encourages creativity, allowing me to explore new ideas. I’ve also learned that the job involves essential administrative tasks that aren’t always exciting. I was surprised by the workload and variety of responsibilities, from coordinating with departments like the Alexandria Farmers Market to managing Healthcare Career Central initiatives.
Through this internship, I’m improving my creativity and time management skills, which benefits me professionally and academically. LSUA has prepared me well for the business world. The professors, many with real-life business experience, provided not just theoretical knowledge but practical advice, making my transition into the internship smoother.
I want to thank Dr. DuPont and Dr. Palmer for their support in securing this internship and Professors Romero and Wright for their guidance. I’m grateful to everyone at Louisiana Central for their warm welcome—they’ve made this experience enriching both professionally and personally."
and the region by attracting new industries, expanding existing ones, enhancing community competitiveness, fostering innovation, and developing the workforce. We partner with business, education, community, and government leaders to achieve these goals.
As a proud LSUA alumna, I can attest to the strong foundation the university provides. LSUA prepared me with the fundamentals needed to be an effective employee, and the lasting relationships with my professors have been invaluable for my professional development.
It’s exciting to see LSUA’s growth since my time there. The university now offers diverse programs across various industries, which benefits our community immensely. As a mother of three who loves central Louisiana and hopes my children will stay here, I find it encouraging to see programs aligning with their interests.
LSUA has excellently prepared students like Mattia, who joined us in the summer of 2024 as a Marketing and Administrative Support Intern. In our fast-paced environment, he arrives eager to work and learn, takes initiative, and makes valuable suggestions on our projects while working directly with me. He has a great attitude, strong work ethic, and quickly applies new information. Despite minimal work experience, Mattia keeps up with our evolving environment, which has been invaluable to our team. LSUA’s dedication to preparing students like Mattia enriches our community by supplying well-prepared graduates ready to make a positive impact."
LSUA Strengthens Global Partnership with Japan's Komazawa University
LSUA Welcomes International Delegation from Japan's Komazawa University
LSUA hosted an international delegation with the leadership team from Komazawa University in Tokyo to expand collaborative efforts between the two universities. The delegation included Tim Ashwell, Ph.D., professor in the Faculty of Global Media Study; Hiroshi Hatakeyama, Ph.D., director of the International Center; Akihide Tanaka, chief coordinator for the International Center; and Kei Kondo, M.A., chief coordinator of academic programs in the Academic Affairs Department. Discussions emphasized course equivalencies, curriculum alignment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition for participating students.
Since establishing a partnership in 2018, LSUA and Komazawa University have focused on creating a student exchange program. The initiative allows Japanese students to study for two years at Komazawa and two years at LSUA, earning degrees from both institutions. In 2023, nine LSUA students studied abroad in Tokyo, Japan, followed by six more in 2024.
Komazawa aims to send more students to LSUA, and efforts are underway to facilitate long-term study opportunities for LSUA students in Japan. Currently, LSUA students participate in short-term exchange programs, but both institutions hope to expand the program. The visit reinforced the strong relationship between the universities and marked a significant step toward deepening collaboration with global partners.
LSUA Students Explore Tokyo During Summer Abroad Program
Six LSUA students participated in a summer study abroad program with Komazawa University in Tokyo. During their visit, they explored the city of Tokyo, attended language and cultural courses, and connected with peers from around the globe. From mastering Japanese calligraphy and participating in traditional tea ceremonies to practicing karate, the students fully embraced the local culture.
Beyond the classroom, they savored authentic Japanese cuisine and visited historic landmarks such as Mount Fuji, Kamakura's Torii Gates, and Nara's Deer Park with the ancient Nandaimon Gate of Todai-ji. This incredible experience broadened their horizons and deepened their appreciation for international culture.
"My experience in Japan was wonderful! I've been trying to study the language since 2018, and being able to go to Japan helped me greatly in my language learning. I was delighted to visit some of my favorite cities, such as Akihabara and Shibuya, and experience traditional and modern urbanized Japanese culture.
Japan has also greatly influenced my perspective on urban life. All my life, I have always been stuck in rural areas. Going to Japan taught me that there is so much more to the world, with its clean cities, excellent public transportation, and beautiful scenery. Along with many souvenirs, I took back home lasting memories and lessons on Japan's fantastic language and culture!"
- Aiden B., LSUA Study Abroad Student
L-R: Shelly Gill, (LSUA Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management), Nina Cox (LSUA Coordinator of International Programs), Tim Ashwell (Komazawa University Global Media Study Professor), Hiroshi Hatakeyama (Komazawa University Director of the International Center), Kei Kondo (Komazawa University Chief Coordinator of Academic Programs), Akihide Tanaka, (Komazawa University Chief Coordinator for International Center), Elizabeth Beard (LSUA Provost & Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs)
Preserving Louisiana’s Natural Resources with the Department of Wildlife & Fisheries
is turning her passion for fieldwork into hands-on experience through an internship with the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. Her supervisor, Eric
commends her curiosity and critical thinking, noting that she has enhanced data processes and eagerly embraced a range of responsibilities.
animals and practicing survey and trapping methods.
As a student worker, my days are varied and engaging. I am involved in the deer and Red-cockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor programs. We conduct population monitoring with the woodpeckers through banding, nest checking, roost counting, and habitat management like prescribed burning. In the deer program, we collect data from harvested animals—such as weight, antler measurements, and age—and perform health checks like testing for chronic wasting disease. I have also had opportunities to work with bears, band ducks, and doves, gaining extensive hands-on experience.
My favorite part of the internship is handling animals and seeing firsthand what being a wildlife biologist entails. What surprised me most was how helpful and willing everyone was to teach someone like me. Working at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries, I have found that these are some of the best biologists in the state, and they are eager to share their knowledge and bring newcomers into the field.
I aim to be the best I can be and acquire skills that set me apart in this competitive field. LSUA feels like a family; the professors genuinely care about us. They are always available if we need help, ensuring we are not just another student lost on a big campus. I am genuinely thankful for their support and feel confident about my future."
Hannah Gray has been a valuable student worker with us for over three years. She began as a summer intern and then became a student worker. Coming from LSUA, she has a solid background in wildlife biology and natural resource management.
Upon joining our team, she became deeply involved with the Redcockaded Woodpecker Safe Harbor Program, which I oversee, and our deer program. Hannah has been actively engaged in management techniques for these species. In the woodpecker program, she climbs cavity trees, bands woodpeckers, paints trees and participates in prescribed burning. She pulls chronic wasting disease samples in the deer program, engages in deer check stations, and works with deer management program clubs.
Hannah has been an excellent fit due to her incredible work ethic, enthusiasm, and inquisitive nature—qualities we highly value. Her biggest strengths are her curiosity and critical thinking. For example, while entering Deer Management Assistance Program (DMAP) data, she noticed discrepancies and proactively brought them to our attention, allowing us to correct issues in the system. Instead of merely inputting numbers, she analyzes data critically, which has greatly impressed us."
LSUA student Hannah Gray
Baka,
Balancing Academic & Athletic Success
Student-athletes encounter numerous challenges on the field and in the classroom, including burnout from demanding schedules. LSUA Women’s Soccer player Jacqui Guillermo has managed to strike a balance, maintaining a near-perfect 3.95 GPA while juggling commitments to the soccer team, campus work, and her role as an LSUA Ambassador.
Jacqui Guillermo
LSUA Women’s Soccer Player #12
"Growing up as the youngest of three girls in Cuernavaca, Mexico, Guillermo played soccer with boys because opportunities for girls were limited. Encouraged by her mother, she developed a strong commitment and work ethic on and off the field. “I didn’t start out thinking I was going to do much with soccer,” she said. “I was playing because I liked it.”
The creation of Liga MX Femenil in 2016 opened new pathways for women’s soccer in Mexico. As Guillermo grew older, she realized her passion for the sport and decided to pursue college soccer in the United States, where the level of play is higher. While ready to commit to another school, she received a message from LSUA Head Coach Mark Hammond. “After talking with Coach Mark, LSUA felt like the right decision,” she explained.
Adjusting to the collegiate game’s pace and fitness levels was challenging during her first year. “It was tough,” Guillermo admitted. “I had been used to playing for fun. Seniors like Brisa Rivera Mondragon helped me adapt. From my first year to now, I am so different and proud of my progress.”
Over two seasons, Guillermo has appeared in 17 games for the Generals, recording her first collegiate stat with an assist against Texas College in 2023. Beyond athletics, she manages social media accounts for the LSUA College of Business, gives tours as an ambassador, and is pursuing a degree in business administration with a concentration in marketing. However, her journey has not been without challenges. By her sophomore year, Guillermo was over-committed and experiencing burnout. In addition to her existing roles, she was a peer mentor and a member of student government. “I didn’t have any time for myself,” she noted. “I knew that I had to give something up. I had to prioritize what I enjoyed doing and what would benefit me in the future.”
By reassessing her priorities, Guillermo found a sustainable rhythm. Her success stems from not only her work ethic but her ability to restrategize and communicate. “I have to stay on top of everything and keep organized,” she said. “I try to finish my schoolwork early in case my schedule changes. Communication is important, especially with professors, so they understand where you’re coming from.”
Guillermo’s ability to balance academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities exemplifies the dedication required of student-athletes. Her story highlights the importance of prioritizing and the strategies needed to avoid burnout while pursuing one’s passions."
Fourth Annual Shrimp Jam Draws Record Crowd and
Fundraising
Over 500 people gathered at the Randolph Riverfront Center in Alexandria for the fourth annual Shrimp Jam, hosted by the LSUA Foundation and the Generals Athletic Association. The event raised over $141,000 to support student-athletes and campus quality-of-life at LSUA, a 19% increase over the previous year.
NAIA All-American and RRAC Player of the Year Kashie Natt spoke about the impact of the community’s generosity on student-athletes like himself. LSU head men’s basketball coach Matt McMahon served as the keynote speaker, sharing his five core values: hard work, unselfishness, toughness, accountability, and joy.
The evening featured both live and silent auctions. Live auction items included a weekend getaway to New Orleans, artwork by Lynn Sanders and Leah Morace, a five-course culinary experience, Diamonds and Daises décor, a Weiss and Goldring LSUA ensemble, and a private “Star Wars” theater and dinner experience.
LSUA
Named NAIA Champion of Character 5-Star Gold Institution for 2023-24
LSUA Athletics has been named an NAIA Champions of Character FiveStar Gold Award winner for the 2023-24 academic year. This distinction marks the fourth time since 2018-19 the Generals have achieved this top honor. The award recognizes institutions that exemplify the NAIA’s core values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership. Schools earn points through character training, conduct, academic focus, character recognition, and character promotion. Additional points are granted for outstanding student-athlete grade point averages and minimal ejections during competitions. This year, 209 member institutions received Five-Star status, with the Red River Athletic Conference among 20 conferences designated as Five-Star Conferences. LSUA’s continued commitment to these principles sets a high standard in collegiate athletics.
LSUA Division of Strategic Communications Wins 2024 Best Marketing Campaign at Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Bizzy Awards
The LSUA Division of Strategic Communications has been awarded the 2024 Best Marketing Campaign at the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce Bizzy Awards. The annual event recognizes exceptional local businesses, presenting 18 awards to 59 nominees across nine categories.
Standing out among four nominees, the LSUA team was honored for their comprehensive marketing strategy promoting the 2023 Shrimp Jam, the university’s premier fundraising event. The campaign included television ads, radio spots, graphics, promotional materials, and extensive social media engagement across multiple platforms.
The 2023 Shrimp Jam, featuring LSU Baseball’s National Champion Head Coach Jay Johnson, achieved record-breaking success. The event saw a 36% increase in attendance and a 69% rise in income over the previous year. Known for its vibrant atmosphere and Louisiana cuisine, Shrimp Jam highlights notable LSU coaches as keynote speakers.
The campaign’s success would not have been possible without the talented Strategic Communications team, including (L-R) Mira Alvarado, Chase Dyess, Adam Lord, Brianne Lashley, and Nathan Parish. LSUA is honored and grateful for the recognition from its peers and the Chamber of Commerce for the hard work put into this campaign.
Matt McMahon (LSU Basketball Head Coach)
L-R: Kaleb Pouncy (LSUA Basketball #5), Kashie Natt (LSUA Basketball #4), Jason Perry II (LSUA Basketball #13), Dimario Jackson (LSUA Head Men's Basketball Coach), Matt McMahon (LSU Basketball Head Coach)
Building Career-Defining Connections with DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations
Madison Brown, a Communication Studies student, learned how to create impactful content and analyze audience engagement during her internship at DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations. Emily Deville, her supervisor, praised Madison’s adaptability, work ethic, and interpersonal skills, noting her ability to engage with colleagues and make a positive impact.
Madison Brown Communication Studies Student with a Public Relations Concentration
"What has truly amazed me about this internship is the exceptional work culture. The environment feels like a family; everyone knows my name, greets me warmly, and makes me feel valued. This supportive atmosphere is rare and has made my experience incredibly rewarding.
As a Communication Studies major, my professional goal is to produce content that has a positive effect with people. I’m learning to create content that resonates with people by analyzing engagement statistics to understand what our audience enjoys. Learning new aspects of this field every day has been deeply satisfying.
I wholeheartedly believe that LSUA has prepared me for the real world. I approached this internship with excitement rather than fear, eager to absorb as much knowledge as possible. The encouragement to ask questions and further my understanding is something I credit to the fantastic staff at the LSUA College of Liberal Arts.
I get emotional thinking about the mentorship received from my professors, Jessica Thacker and Melissa LaBorde. They have consistently pushed me to do my best, reassured me when I second-guessed myself, and have been instrumental in building my confidence both as a student and a professional.
I aim to soak up as much information as possible, build connections, and network extensively. Emily has taken me to numerous conferences and summits, for which I am incredibly grateful. Building relationships is important to me—I am a people person who loves engaging with others, and this experience has allowed me to do just that."
Emily Deville Communications & Marketing Manager DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations
"DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations is part of the Crest Industries family of companies. Crest Industries is one of the largest employers in central Louisiana, with over 1,300 employees and more than 60 years in business. DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations employs around 155 people—85 at our Pineville headquarters and nearly 60 at our manufacturing facility.
At DIS-TRAN, we build and manufacture factory-built substations. Traditionally, substations are constructed on-site, but we offer a factorybuilt option that streamlines the process. By assembling them in our manufacturing facility in Alexandria, Louisiana, we avoid the weather and construction delays often associated with on-site builds. This method significantly reduces installation time—from about three months to just the duration of a lunch break—making it a substantial time-saver.
Madison joined our team as an intern, and I believe LSUA has done an outstanding job preparing her for the workforce. From day one, she fit seamlessly into our team and culture. She’s eager to learn, possesses a great attitude, and is dedicated to creating content that matters. Her classroom education provided a great foundation that allowed her to tackle challenges and adapt quickly to our fast-paced environment.
Her greatest strength is her ability to enter a room and comfortably engage with anyone. Whether during interviews or daily projects, she dives right in, makes friends, and helps others feel at ease. I genuinely admire this quality in her. Madison’s interpersonal skills and enthusiasm have positively impacted our team, and we’re grateful that she has contributed to our work at DIS-TRAN Packaged Substations."
